Miss Rhode Island named Miss USA
LAS VEGAS, June 4 (UPI) -- Nineteen-year-old Miss Rhode Island USA Olivia Culpo was named Miss USA 2012 at a pageant in Las Vegas.
Culpo is a sophomore at Boston University where she has made the dean's list every semester. She has played cello for 13 years and won seats in Boston Symphony Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall.
Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011, crowned her successor at the conclusion of Sunday's telecast on NBC, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.
First runner-up is Miss Maryland USA Nana Meriwether. She will assume the duties of Miss USA 2012 if the titleholder is named Miss Universe 2012 or if for some reason Miss USA cannot fulfill her duties.
Second runner up is Miss Ohio USA Audrey Bolte.
Bravo's "Watch What Happens: Live" host and executive producer Andy Cohen and "E! News" co-anchor Giuliana Rancic returned as hosts of the 61st annual Miss USA competition at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Kelly Osbourne of E!'s "Fashion Police" and Jeannie Mai of Style Network's "How Do I Look?" were also on hand, providing color commentary throughout the pageant.
'Hunger Games' wins 4 MTV Movie Awards
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 4 (UPI) -- The young-adult survival picture "The Hunger Games" won four Golden Popcorns at the MTV Movie Awards ceremony at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.
The screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' best-seller picked up prizes for Best Female for Jennifer Lawrence, Best Male for Josh Hutcherson, Best Fight and Best On-Screen Transformation for Elizabeth Banks Sunday night.
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1," based on Stephenie Meyer's vampire novel, won the top prize of Best Movie, as well as Best Kiss for its stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who are dating in real life.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," the final installment in the magic-themed film franchise based on J.K. Rowling's books, won the awards for Best Cast and Best Hero.
Shailene Woodley earned the award for Breakthrough Performance for her work in the family drama "The Descendants" and Melissa McCarthy took home the statuette for Best Comedic Performance for her turn in the R-rated wedding comedy "Bridesmaids." McCarthy and her co-stars Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper won the award for Best Gut-Wrenching Performance for a scene in which their characters suffer food poisoning during a dress fitting.
Jennifer Aniston's portrayal of a dentist from hell in "Horrible Bosses" earned her the title Best On-Screen Dirtbag.
British comedian Russell Brand served as host of the prize presentation. Among the night's biggest moments was an introduction by Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry of Johnny Depp, recipient of this year's Generation Award. Depp, who is also a musician, then joined The Black Keys for a performance of the rock duo's "Gold On the Ceiling" into "Lonely Boy."
Starz wrapping up 'Spartacus' saga
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 4 (UPI) -- U.S. cable network Starz says "War of the Damned," the upcoming third season of "Spartacus," will be the last.
More than 6 million weekly viewers watched last season, "Spartacus: Vengeance," which has amassed more than 2.5 million Facebook fans.
The series airs in 150 countries in more than 15 languages.
"The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show," creator and executive producer Steven S. DeKnight said in a statement Monday. "We did not come to this decision lightly. It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I. Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus' journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who's been along for the ride."
"Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen," said Starz Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht.
"'Spartacus' is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world. We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after 'War of the Damned,' as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy. While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans."
"Spartacus: War of the Damned" is in production in New Zealand.
The "Spartacus" franchise began its run in 2010 with "Blood and Sand." It was followed a year later with the miniseries prequel, "Gods of the Arena" and "Vengeance" debuted this past January.
"War of the Damned" is scheduled to air in early 2013. It stars Liam McIntyre, Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare, Dan Feuerriegel, Cynthia Addai-Robinson and Ellen Hollman. Joining the cast will be Todd Lasance as Gaius Julius Caesar, Simon Merrells as Marcus Crassus and Anna Hutchison as Laeta.
'Annie' gets her Daddy Warbucks
NEW YORK, June 4 (UPI) -- Australian actor Anthony Warlow is to make his Broadway debut as billionaire Daddy Warbucks in the revival of "Annie," the musical's producers said Monday.
"Annie" is to open Nov. 8 at the Palace Theatre. Previews are to begin Oct. 3.
Warlow will star opposite two-time Tony Award-winner Katie Finneran as Miss Hannigan and 11-year-old Lilla Crawford as Annie.
Warlow is currently playing Daddy Warbucks in the Australian production of "Annie" at Melbourne's Regent Theatre.
That staging premiered in December 2011 at Sydney's Lyric Theatre. Warlow also played Warbucks in a previous revival of "Annie" in 2000.
"I'm having a great time playing Oliver Warbucks here in the Australian production and have always loved Broadway and New York City," Warlow said in a statement. "So I am delighted to finally make my Broadway debut at the great Palace Theatre and in the exciting new production of this wonderful musical. I look forward to working with the talented James Lapine and his fantastic cast and creative team."
"Anthony Warlow is a true international superstar. We are so excited to welcome him to Broadway in our new production of 'Annie,'" said producer Arielle Tepper Madover. "I know he will be the Daddy Warbucks of our dreams."
