An in depth interview with heartthrob,
Zac Efron was just released by the Examiner’s Angela Dawson. In this article, the actor opens up about the physically and emotionally demanding character he plays in new movie “Lucky”. This film is based off of the Nicholas Sparks's novel, and was filmed in the Hollywood south. This Warner Brothers production required Zac to gain 20 pounds of muscle in order to accurately depict the Marine, Logan who walks to Louisiana to find his soul-mate. Efron doesn’t hold back about his reservations for taking on the role initially, nor does he underscore his love for NOLA. He says that “New Orleans is the most fun city in the world”, and here at Southern Celebrity Gossip we are inclined to agree!

For the full interview, visit the Examiner online.

Hunky Hollywood icon, Channing Tatum, first fell in love with New Orleans when he was here working on the new movie “21 Jump Street”. During filming, Tatum had the opportunity to work with actor and comedian Jonah Hill, as well as local talent including Brett Lapeyrouse and Andrea Frankle. But after wrapping for the picture, Channing still couldn’t let go of the Crescent City. In a recent phone interview he gushed about his appreciation for NOLA saying, “I love the spirit of New Orleans… the Bourbon Street area, Frenchmen, everything. It’s just such a vibrant place”.

So despite his residence in L.A., Tatum will be opening a bar on the world-famous Bourbon Street to help him stay connected to this city that he loves. The bar, called “Saints & Sinners” is currently under renovations, but plans to open in just a few months! No official statement has been made about how much time the actor will get to spend at this new establishment, but it will definitely keep him connected with all things NOLA. It is exciting to see that it isn’t just the film opportunities that have celebrities flocking to New Orleans. The character of this city is so addictive that famed actors like the Jolie-Pitts, Sandra Bullock, Nicholas Cage, John Goodman, and now Channing Tatum just can’t stay away!  

For more on this article, visit nolaeater.com.

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With the Academy Award Nominees having just be announced, everyone certainly has a lot to gossip about. Why shouldn’t they? With movies like “The Artist”, “The Help” and “The Descendants” up for best picture there are definitely a lot of different opinions. But one category is more clear that others: Best Supporting Actress. Having just won the Golden Globe in the same role, Octavia Spencer is a shoe-in for the Oscar as well.

Spencer is originally from Montgomery Alabama, and got her start in a Mississippi filmed movie, “A Time to Kill”. In this movie the budding actress had the opportunity to work alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock, and Mathew McConoughey. After wrapping this project, Octavia Spencer relocated to Los Angeles were she has been featured in countless projects. But all of this success has managed to bring her back to right where she started! The Jackson, Mississippi set movie “The Help” has put Octavia’s name all over the press… not to mention the film awards. In the film, she plays the supporting character Minny opposite actresses Viola Davis and Emma Stone. The movie deals with racial tensions that existed in the 1960’s in Mississippi. The movie was shot predominantly in the town of Jackson, as well as Alabama and parts of Florida.

Octavia isn’t the only star in “The Help” nominated for an Oscar. Viola Davis has been nominated for best actress, as well as Jessica Chastain who is up against Spencer for best supporting actress. Despite this rivalry, the two cast-mates remain close friends and recently were interviewed by Tribute Movies about their work together. The movie is also nominated for “Best Picture”. “The Help” has shined a light, not only on the rich history here in the south, but also on the incredible talent that is from here. We are all hopeful that Spencer’s performance is recognized at the 2012 Oscars.

For a complete list of nominees visit the Oscar’s official website.