Hollywood Popular Artists

Aug 2nd 2013, 19:47, by Alexandra Govere

Sara Bareilles is a breath of fresh air in an oftentimes not-so-fresh Hollywood. We recently sat down with the talented singer/songwriter to chat about being "Brave" and facing our insecurities...and Beyonce...in a sing-off.

+ Watch  Sara Bareilles Challenge Beyonce To A Sing Off.

"I think it might be Beyonce, not because I think I could actually have a sing-off with her, but just because I wanna meet her." Bey and Sara could totally bond over their 2013 VMA nods. Beyonce's "I Was Here" is up for Best Video With A Message, and Sara's "Brave" is a runner up in the same category.

+ Watch Sara Bareilles Talk About Being Brave.

Sara Bareilles' "Brave" was inspired by the LGBTQ community, particularly a close friend who struggled with coming out. The song and video encourage young people to be brave, and not to hide their true selves from the world. "I would like to encourage LGBTQ youth to remember that your voice matters, and by being brave and stepping forward you give permission to other people around you to do the same," says Sara. "It's an uncomfortable cross to bear, but there's so much support for you and so much love to receive when you're ready for it." Sara recently performed "Brave" at the Do Something Awards -- an awards show created specifically to honor young people and celebs who are bravely making a positive difference in the world.

+ Watch Sara Bareilles Open Up About Her Insecurities

Like most of us, it took Sara a while to feel comfortable in her own skin. "Growing up, I had a lot of body issues and beauty anxiety," she says. "I wish I was brave enough to confront that at a young age, and care a little bit less about what everyone else thought." Now that she has the voice, Sara is devoted to making sure other young people don't have to suffer through the same insecurities. "I really want to spend time and energy teaching and encouraging young girls to honor themselves exactly the way they are," says Sara. "And to know that we don't have to change for anybody.

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Aug 2nd 2013, 20:10, by Alexandra Govere

You think you know the 2013 MTV Video Music Award nominees for Best Video With A Message, but you have no idea! Or do you? Normally pop quizzes are a bummer, but not today!

Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Miguel and Snoop Lion are all up for the third ever Best Video With A Message award, and each of their vids is jam-packed with inspiring messages and social commentary, down to the very last second. Watch 'em closely -- verrrrry closely -- then take our quiz to test your music and activist knowledge.

+ Beyoncé, "I Was Here" (Vote | Take Action)

1. What is the logo behind Beyoncé at the start of the video for?
A. UNICEF
B. United Nations
C. Feeding America

+ Kelly Clarkson, "People Like Us" (Vote | Take Action)

2. What is the color is Kelly's getaway vehicle?
A. Red
B. White
C. Blue

+ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Same Love" (feat. Mary Lambert) (Vote | Take Action)

3. When were DOMA and Prop 8 overturned?
A. May 26, 2013
B. June 26, 2013
C. July 26, 2013

+ Miguel, "Candles in the Sun" (Vote | Take Action)

4. Which phrase is spray painted onto a wall in Miguel's video?
A. What does freedom cost?
B. When will freedom come?
C. How does freedom feel?

+ Snoop Lion, "No Guns Allowed" (feat. Cori B. & Drake) (Vote | Take Action)

5. Snoop Lion partnered with MTV + Jewelry for a Cause to create this anti-gun violence bracelet:
A. The "MTV x Caliber" bracelet
B. The "MTV x Safety" bracelet
C. The "MTV x Control" bracelet

Answers: 1. B  2. A  3. B  4. C  5. A

How'd you do? Now that you're all up on these VMA nominees, pick a favorite and take action for a related cause. And don't miss the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 25th, on MTV.

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Aug 2nd 2013, 17:30, by Danica Davidson

In March we encouraged you all to try out for the Sierra Club's Best Internship on Earth, and young activists Izzy Weisz and Daniel Cespedes ended up getting the two coveted slots.

Photo: Daniel + Izzy on the job.

They're spending their summer helping the earth and video-blogging all about it, so MTV Act wanted to know what it's like to have the best internship on earth and how we can all get involved in environmental protection!

ACT: What was your first reaction to finding out you were chosen?

IZZY: In one word, disbelief. Two words, giddy disbelief. After ending the phone call, which mostly consisted of me gushing, "Wow, I can't believe this, thank you" over and over again, I collapsed on this grassy field at my college and waited for my best friend to get out of class. We then jumped up and down in five-year-old-girl-fashion for approximately 20 minutes.

DANIEL: An impromptu bagpiping session, and an explosion of rainbows and butterflies.

Photo: Daniel bagpiping in the Grand Canyon

ACT: What has been your favorite destination so far, why?

DANIEL: At the risk of sounding like a hippie—definitely protesting uranium mining with the Havasupai Native Americans. Not only is it cool for me to get the chance to associate with folks from such a unique and rich cultural background, it means a lot to me to know that what I'm doing can help a situation where people's lives are at stake.

IZZY: For purely aesthetic reasons, I'm going to have to say the Grand Canyon. It's hard to beat the feeling of awe that comes from standing on a bluff two miles down inside the canyon. I had a moment there, sitting and staring off into the distance. It was also our first trip, so I was that much more of a newbie at the job and every single part was both exciting and overwhelming.

ACT: What's the biggest thing you learned from this experience?

IZZY: On a serious and extremely general note, probably how to go through the creative process of thinking up a concept and then shooting it, and doing it all on the fly. On a less serious note, how to actually be a grownup and check my email regularly instead of just using my smart phone for Instagram.

DANIEL: If you're trying to make a production that will successfully have an impact, you need to be very specific about what you want your final product to look like. This internship has undergone some significant conceptual changes even since we started, and it has chiefly had to do with narrowing the focus of our goal so that we don't risk diluting the effectiveness of the videos.

Photo: Daniel + Izzy enjoying the great outdoors.

ACT: What's your advice for other students trying to secure a dream internship?

DANIEL: Never be bashful in following your own interests and dreams. Everything I've done that made me an "ideal candidate" for this internship really felt like a folly/hobby/obsession at the time. You really can't go wrong in pursuing your interests, because even if it doesn't prep you for your dream job, at the very least it will make you an interesting person. Passion is what makes people interesting.

IZZY: My best piece of advice is to actually APPLY. Sounds obvious, but I'm guessing a lot of people go through the same thought process I initially did, which was "Getting this internship is a pipe dream, so why even try?"

ACT: How can others join you in helping the Sierra Club? What are some easy ways people can become more environmentally friendly?

IZZY: Turn off lights! Shorten your showers! BIKE! In my application video I go around my college campus doing ridiculous and annoying things to get people to help the environment, but each segment has truth in it. The little things add up. Follow the Sierra Club on social media or check out the site online. Also, I've heard these two interns are making really cool videos for the Sierra Club, so you could check those out. Just sayin'.

DANIEL: Become a minimalist! Invest in stuff that lasts longer. Not only are you lessening the market demand for disposable goods, your stuff will have more character to it. So go and shop at thrift shops with a clean conscience.

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Aug 2nd 2013, 16:00, by Kevin P. Sullivan

Earlier this week, MTV News ran an interview with Mark Wahlberg in which he danced around the question of whether the Dinobots would appear in "Transformers 4," as they're rumored to. "None of your business," he said. "You don't want me to get replaced halfway through production for divulging secrets."

While we have to admit that Wahlberg is definitely capable of trolling us on this one, we can't help but think that there's something to the rumor based on his response.

If that is the case, it's time you got your crash course in Dinobots, or at least a quick review, before "Transformers 4" hits theaters in June.

Grimlock
The merciless leader of the Dinobots, Grimlock has been a fan favorite for decades and is always near the top of the list of characters they want to see in the movies.

Slag
This triceratops is second in command packs some serious firepower, regardless of what mode he's in. He also has a temper to boot.

Sludge
Sludge might be the dumb one of the group, but he's got nearly enough power to rival even the mighty Grimlock.

Snarl
The powerful tail of this Dinobot is his main weapon, as he chooses to talk with his fighting ability rather than his words.

Swoop
Swoop is one of the two Dinobots, along with Grimlock, to actually be rumored to appear in "Transformers 4."

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Aug 2nd 2013, 16:03, by Danica Davidson

The state of LGBTQ rights varies depending on location, and many people are upset with Russia for its anti-LGBTQ laws. Actress Kerry Washington is among those urging Russia to make a change.

Kerry Tweeted:

What is going on in Russia is HEART BREAKING. #LGBT 36 Photos From anti-gay Russia That Everyone Needs To See... http://t.co/iT2TKB0QHO

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 1, 2013

Kerry was just put on the top of Vanity Fair's Best Dressed list, but she could also be put on a list of Best Celebrity Activists. MTV Act has covered her work for women's rights before, and now Ms. Washington is throwing her activism into the realm of global LGBTQ rights. You see, Russia recently passed what could be pretty much described as a "don't say gay" law. People are not allowed to talk about LGBTQ rights or LGBTQ couples if their words might be overheard by children. Breaking the law could wind you up in jail.

Some activists for equality still tried to put on a gay pride parade in St. Petersburg, but they were violently attacked by anti-gay demonstrators and detained by police. Kerry shares photos of this in her link. The photos are upsetting, and they show how serious the situation in Russia is. Russia is all set to host the 2014 Winter Olympics, and politician Vitaly Milonov has said that people visiting the country for the Olympics will also be punished if they break the anti-gay law. Some people are calling for a boycott on the Olympics to show how much this law has got to go. Kerry doesn't give her stance on this boycott, but she knows something has to change.

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Aug 2nd 2013, 15:16, by Joey Parker

When many people take to social media to complain, Ke$ha uses it to get her motivation on! Yesterday she Tweeted "yes yes yes it is" to a photo that stated, "Today is a perfect day for a perfect day".

With so much to be grateful for, we decided to brain storm ways to make Ke$ha's day even MORE perfect!

To begin, Ke$ha is a huge supporter of The Humane Society. As she traveled the states on her #Warrior tour, she sold special tickets to fans that benefited The Human Society!  In a recent video the singer revealed, "Now is the time to make animal protection a priority. I care about animals, and I know you do too."

Ending bullying is yet another one of Ke$ha's favorite causes. Whether it be on social media, or her "Crazy Beautiful Life" docu-series on MTV, she is fiercely standing up and letting her Animals know that #LoveIsLouder than those mean-ass bullies at school. She even snapped a pic for the campaign herself! She has opened up about her first hand experience with bullying on season one of her docu-series. "As someone that's been bullied my entire life, I know first-hand how this type of victimization can destroy lives and relationships," said Ke$ha. "It is imperative that we empower kids to believe love and support are louder than anyone that brings us down."

 

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Aug 2nd 2013, 14:00, by Kevin P. Sullivan

"The Child's Play" franchise has been one of horror's most strangely enduring franchises, largely thanks to the dedication of folks like Don Mancini, who has either written or co-written every movie in the series, and Brad Dourif, who has voiced the demonic doll Chucky since the beginning.

The latest entry in the series, "Curse of Chucky," is sort of a reboot, in that Mancini is directing and the Chucky doll is once again a fresh-faced Good-Guy doll.

Check out the new trailer for "Curse of Chucky" after the jump!

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Aug 2nd 2013, 13:00, by Caitlin Abber

One part singer, another part "contributor," Miguel is the total package when it comes to being an artist who cares as much about the issues as he does about his music. We sat down with the VMA nominee to discuss his song and video "Candles In The Sun" and what he loves most about awards shows.

ACT: We want to congratulate you for your VMA nomination for "Candles in the Sun!"

MIGUEL: It's much appreciated. Thank you very, very much.

ACT: What was your reaction when you found out "Candles In The Sun" was nominated for a VMA for Best Video With A Message?

MIGUEL: For someone who has never been nominated for any of his videos, it was definitely a pleasant surprise. I was definitely taken aback and very appreciative of the fact that it was nominated, especially because of what the video was for — you know, the message behind the song. And it's definitely my favorite video that we've shot to date. ... And because it was also kind of done on my own, you know, on my own initiative without my label or anything like that, it was a very personal thing. It's not like the song was a single or anything; we just kind of shot it because we just felt the need to, and it just meant the world.

ACT: You cover a lot of issues in the video: poverty, war, inequality --- is there one issue in particular that is really important to you personally?

MIGUEL: It's just the overall premise of addressing the fact that there are things that need to be dealt with. And it's not necessarily about pointing a finger. ... That was kind of the approach we wanted to take with the video — I didn't want it to be singling anyone out. It was just about acknowledging that at the end of the day we all live our lives at our own pace. And because of all of the distractions it's easy to kind of get lost in these waters as we're treading or as we're swimming. Sometimes it does take that moment for the realities of the world to be right in our faces.

ACT: Is there anything you're particularly looking forward to at the VMAs this year?

MIGUEL: You know what, for any awards show I think it's really cool that the artists and the creators are acknowledged, but it also gives us a chance to see the artists that we love onstage and to see them perform, so I think that's one of my favorite parts about award shows and especially the VMAs.

 ACT: What are your thoughts on the other nominees for Best Video With A Message?

 MIGUEL: All the videos are incredible, and they're incredible statements. All of us are already winners in a sense, because the message has kind of taken the stage as opposed to us as artists. Obviously you have someone like Beyoncé, who has star power and her videos are always incredible, and Macklemore's video is so relevant, especially right now. It's cool to have a moment to take a step back behind a message that's so important to each and every one of us respectively, and for the message to kind of take the stage and to possibly win the award. I think the award is a tremendous addition to the MTV Video Music Awards, and it's a huge honor.

ACT: Do you think you'll make another video with a message?

MIGUEL: Absolutely. I think it's become important as contributors, and that's what we as artists truly are supposed to be, is contributors to culture.  And to be able to have the awareness or to take awareness, make awareness, create awareness --- I think is a tremendous opportunity that we all share.  So I think that this experience has encouraged me to continue sharing my perspective, hopefully reminding people of some of the harsh realities and issues that we need to address.  I truly think that being able to elevate the people around you is one of the greatest highlights of anyone's life.

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Aug 1st 2013, 21:54, by Alexandra Govere

It's #ThrowbackThursday, and chances are your Instagram feed is full of awkward, adorable, or awkwardly adorable pics of your friends and followers from back in the day. If your fave thing about Thursdays is celebrity throwbacks, we've got 'em for ya! Today: Britney Spears.

Britney hit the scene almost two decades ago, when she joined the "The Mickey Mouse Club" revival. Since then, she's released eight studio albums, starred in multiple feature films, and judged one of televisions hottest shows, "The X Factor."  Her role in Hollywood is ever-changing, but one thing remains the same: she's a damn good person!

Britney has faced her share of bullying as an A-List celebrity, and doesn't want the same for anyone else. She supports The Bully Project and their documentary "Bully," one of the first to fully expose bullying in U.S. schools. Speaking of school, Brit Brit applauds those of you who stay in it! This June, the pop diva gave a Twitter "Scream & Shout"-out to all of her newly graduated followers. She's one of many celebs who encourage their fans to Get Schooled, and reward them with shout outs and even, sometimes, surprise visits.

This pop diva's greatest accomplishment, however, is the fact that she's kissed Ryan Gosling. Rich, giving, and she's kissed the hottest man on Earth?! Yep. Britney Spears is definitely winning.

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Aug 1st 2013, 20:51, by Claire Biggs

Gun violence is a growing problem in our country, but for some people, the problem isn't just national, it's personal. Melanie David's brother was shot and killed in 2010. When she found out about Girl Be Heard, a theatre company that brings social justice issues to the forefront, she knew she had to get on stage and share her story.

David, 25, was a company member for Girl Be Heard's highly-acclaimed "9mm America" show. At the performances, young women stepped into the spotlight to share their stories of how gun violence has personally affected their lives. Although she had to relieve the pain of losing her brother, David was supported throughout the entire experience by her mentor, Jessica Greer Morris, the executive director of Girl Be Heard and legendary activist Eve Ensler.

Photo: From left to right: Melanie with fellow Girl Be Heard members Bre and Betsy. (Girl Be Heard)

To find out more about the performances and what David is doing now to Increase the Peace, check out our interview below.

ACT: How did you get involved with Girl Be Heard?

MELANIE: I got a casting notice back in September last year and saw that they were seeking young woman with personal stories about numerous issues and one of them happened to be gun violence. I was too afraid at the time to share my story so I didn't attend the audition. When I got the same casting in January I said, "OK, I am going to go and see what happens." So with all my reservations and fears intact I attended the audition, I sang and shared my story and had no idea that Girl Be Heard was going to change my life for the better. I encourage every girl who wants to be heard to audition.

Photo: The brave and beautiful cast of "9mm America." (Girl Be Heard)

ACT: Why is it important to you to speak out against gun violence?

MELANIE: It is important for me to speak out against gun violence because my brother was murdered in 2010. Losing a loved one that way is an unimaginable pain that no human being should have to endure. People die every day but no one should be allowed to decide another's fate and unfortunately guns give others the power to play God.  

ACT: What was it like performing as part of "9mm America?"

MELANIE: "9mm America" was the greatest and most difficult experience of my life. Having to relive the pain of losing my brother night after night was beyond difficult. I really exposed some deep issues that followed his murder like how I suffered from panic attacks to having to see his cold lifeless body in a casket. However, I got so much support from my mentor, Jessica Greer Morris (who is the executive director of Girl Be Heard) who taught me how to bring myself back as a performer and how to focus my energy. Eve Ensler (from The Vagina Monologues) came to our show and has been an angel to me personally and to Girl Be Heard.  She provided great advice on self-care after having to go to such a dark place when performing. So ultimately as hard as it was, it truly made me a better performer and helped me heal my pain by sharing my story.

ACT: Now that the shows are over, how will you continue to protest against gun violence in our country?

MELANIE: I continue to perform my song "One," every opportunity I get which is a plea to end gun violence. I also have a non-profit in the works in honor of my brother to mentor and help educate the youth on gun violence. Girl Be Heard is also constantly asked to perform our show "9mm America" and we are always hard at work to create new platforms to voice our message. Today, we are working to bring the show to The White House and Capitol Hill so we can inspire legislators to change gun laws.

ACT: For our readers, how can they get involved in speaking out against gun violence?

MELANIE: There are so many ways to help! Readers can look up organizations in their area and volunteer time. If there are none they can always support by giving to organizations like Girl Be Heard, that give back to the community by educating the youth and providing an outlet for them. Today we are working to raise funds to bring the show into public schools, specifically those in neighborhoods where gun violence is a daily threat. And we would love for every reader to join our movement to stop gun violence by "liking" Girl Be Heard's FB page or following us on twitter.

ACT: What is your hope for Girl Be Heard?

MELANIE: My hope is that we can take Girl Be Heard around the world! I think it's so important for people to express themselves through powerful mediums like music, acting, dance and spoken word. Gun violence is just one issue but globally we face so many challenges and with organizations like Girl Be Heard we can unite the world and shed light on important issues while making the world a bit more colorful and a better place to live.

Increase The Peace is an ongoing series dedicated to celebrating young people who are coming up with creative ways to fight gun violence. For more on the series, visit Increase The Peace.

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Aug 1st 2013, 18:20, by Alexandra Govere

Last night's Do Something Awards honored young people and celebrities who are devoted to making a positive difference in the world. This years celebrity honorees were Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kelly Osbourne, LL Cool J, and Patrick Dempsey, whose inspiring acceptance speeches motivated us to get up and Do Something good today!

+  Watch Jennifer Hudson Talk About Celebrity.

+ Watch Jesse Tyler Ferguson Explain Tying The Knot.

+ Watch Kelly Osbourne On Multiple Sclerosis.

+ Watch LL Cool J Talk About Giving Back.

+ Watch Patrick Dempsey Give Hope & Healing.

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Aug 1st 2013, 19:00, by Kevin P. Sullivan

Back in May, the new movie from J.C. Chandor, the Oscar-nominated writer and director of "Margin Call," starring Robert Redford, "All Is Lost," debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, and it wowed just about everyone. (Most of those reviews are quoted in single-word raves in the trailer.)

The first trailer for "All Is Lost" just debuted over at Yahoo! Movies, so check out the trailer above and learn more about the film after the jump!

Redford is simply credited as "Our Man," a sailor, out in the ocean all my himself. When a loose shipping crate tears a hole in the side of his yacht, Our Man must do what he can to survive and find land before the elements overtake him.

What really wowed the crowds in Cannes about Redford's performance is that Our Man is the only character in "All Is Lost," and he rarely speaks, putting him at the center of early Best Actor talk. Keep an eye on this one because you'll definitely be hearing a lot more about it.

"All Is Lost" opens on October 18.

Aug 1st 2013, 17:28, by Joey Parker

Miley Cyrus is a champion for marriage equality! First it was her equality tattoo (which we are obssesed with), and now while promoting her new album in London, she decided to speak out about her passion for LGBTQ rights.

The twerkin' ray of sunshine revealed, "I'm really involved in politics in the way that I think everyone should be able to be free to be who they are. The law is there to keep us all safe and to keep the world sane because if we didn't have laws it would be even worse than it is but for things like gay marriage, that's not hurting anybody that's not affecting anyone's life."

Such wise words from the multi-talented Sagittarius. With the massive fan base like good ole Miley, speaking out about topics like marriage equality is huge. Miley continued the interview by stating, "I want them (her kids) to be like 'Mum, you lived in a time where that couldn't happen.' That's so weird and foreign to them. I want that to be that way hopefully, one day."

We agree Miley. History reveals change is often slow, but equality will prevail. Just as we saw the civil rights of the past, we will continue movin' on forward twerkin' our way to equality. Do you agree with Miley's message? Take action below and join the NOH8 Campaign to continue to make a difference.

 + Watch Miley Cyrus Get Political.

 

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