madonnalicious

Madonna to present Gucci Award for Women in Cinema

Madonna will present the first Gucci Award for Women in Cinema in Venice on Friday, during the city’s International Film Festival, an event to be held at the Hotel Cipriani and followed by a dinner.
The preceding night, Gucci creative director Frida Giannini will attend the screening of Madonna’s new film, 'W.E.' and host a private dinner for the pop icon, who wrote and directed the movie based on the relationship between Wallis Simpson and Edward, the Prince of Wales.
Gucci’s new annual award recognizes an outstanding artistic achievement by a woman in filmmaking, selected from categories ranging from director and actor to screenwriter and costume designer.
This year, nominees include Caroline Champetier, director of photography of 'Of Gods and Men', Jessica Chastain, actress in 'The Tree of Life', Federica Pontremoli, screenwriter for 'Habemus Papam', Nansun Shi, producer of 'Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame', and Athina Tsangari, director and producer of 'Attenberg' - all recognised for their outstanding work in the past year.
The jury, led by Giannini, includes Robin Wright, James Franco and Valeria Golino. Gucci will donate $25,000 to the Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at NYU Tisch School of the Arts in the name of the recipient of the award.

From WWD.com

Madonna 2012 Calendar - Cover Art Revealed

Madonna.com gave a fans a sneak peek at the cover art for Madonna's 2012 official calendar.

The picture is from the 2008 Vanity Fair cover photographed by Steven Meisel.

Thanks to Med-Jay

Madonna's Sex most sought after out-of-print book

Madonna's explicit book Sex is once again America's most sought after out-of-print title of the year, according to BookFinder's annual report.
The graphic coffee-table book, featuring - in the words of BookFinder, 'photos of the Material Girl, without the material' - has been one of the most popular out-of-print titles in the US for years and a collector's item since it was first published in 1992. 'Since Madonna is never one to do something twice, and the fact that the once highly controversial book is less edgy than it once was leads us to guess that Sex will remain out of print,' predicted the book search engine, a subsidiary of AbeBooks, last year.
BookFinder has tracked the most searched for out-of-print titles in America over the last 12 months for its annual report, which sees romantic suspense author Nora Roberts's novel Promise Me Tomorrow come in second. The prolific author has 'actively persuaded her loyal fanbase to avoid this early novel for years', said BookFinder, with a used bookshop likely to be 'the only place you will find this title' these days.
Out-of-print titles by Stephen King, Johnny Cash, Ray Bradbury, Carl Sagan, CS Lewis and Philip K Dick also appear on the list, with more esoteric offerings also flying high: knitting supremo Alice Starmore's Tudor Roses, featuring 'sweater designs inspired by the Tudor royals', was also much in demand, while Sarah Bradford's 1989 biography of George VI, The Reluctant King, 'shot into steady demand' following the success of the Colin Firth film The King's Speech, said BookFinder.

From guardian.co.uk

German Magazines: OK!

The current issue of the German version of OK! magazine (25 August issue) features pictures of Madonna and Brahim on holiday in France earlier this month - click on the image to enlarge.

Thanks to Kirsten

More Madonna stencil art in London

Artist Pegasus has left his Madonna-mark on the streets of London again, this time near Russell Square in central London.

Visit Pegasus' page at www.facebook.com/Pegasus-Street-Artist

Madonna in France

Fans can view lots of pictures of Madonna enjoying a holiday in France before starting to promote W.E. at the film festival circuit:

Madonna and family at Eden Roc, France - Part 1

Madonna and family at Eden Roc, France - Part 2

Madonna and Brahim dining at The Colombe D'Or at Eden Roc, France

My favourite album: Like a Prayer by Madonna

Continuing the series in which Guardian and Observer writers pick their favourite albums – Hadley Freeman cherishes Madonna's Like a Prayer:

For the record, my nearly favourite album is Discovery by Daft Punk. But after sending my 15th email in one hour debating the merits between that one and this one to the beleaguered editor of this website (oddly, he stopped replying after my seventh email), I caught my reflection in the mirror, hairbrush in front of mouth, and thought, who am I kidding? I'm a woman in her 30s – of course my favourite album is Like a Prayer. Bog off, era-defining dance music auteurs and crank up Cherish.

To read the rest of the article visit guardian.co.uk/music/like-prayer-madonna

Thanks to Giannis

Madonna quote at Nobu restaurant

A picture of a quote from Madonna is used to advertise the new Nobu restaurant that is coming soon at Caesars Palace Hotel Casino in Las Vegas.

Thanks to Jonathan

Billboard: Best MTV VMA Performances - Results

In celebration of the 2011 MTV VMA's, Billboard.com recently asked it's readers to vote what they thought were the best VMA performances of all time.

Well, the results have now been published. To the surprise of no one the Queen of Pop 'Madonna' has two of her performances rank in the top 10!

First was her 1990 'Vogue' performance that came in #6:
'Talk about a cultural mashup: Madonna and co., clad in 18th century Marie Antoinette garb, taught the world how to Vogue, a performance style popularized in underground gay dance clubs of the '80s. Cue in one incredibly animated pants-less dancer, and VMA magic is made.'

Next was the 2003 Madonna 20th Anniversary performance, that came in at #4:
'The Madonna-Britney kiss! Could we talk about anything else the day after the 2003 VMAs? And poor Christina, the camera cutting away as her and Madge lip-locked. The memorable medley kicked off with Britney and Christina Aguilera paying homage to Madonna's infamous 'Like a Virgin' performance at the 1984 VMAs, topped off with Madonna - dressed as a groom - performing 'Hollywood.' But let's be real, the kiss was all that really mattered to the masses.'

For the full story visit billboard.com/mtv-vmas-10-best-performances-ever-poll

Thanks to Micheal

VMAs Gone Wild: Cat Reenacts Madonna's Like A Virgin

Who could forget Madonna's legendary 1984 VMA performance of 'Like A Virgin'? You remember: the one where she dressed up like a randy bride in a Boy Toy belt and a wedding dress that felt more like the underpinnings of a regular wedding dress and then proceeded to lay down and consummate her marital relationship with the stage.
What does Madonna's VMA performance have to with a cat? Not much, but everything has to do with cats when you blatantly get a cat involved. Which is why we - the same people who brought you dogs dressed like Cher and Lady Gaga in her VMA meat dress - called upon a gifted cat name Mona to dress up like a cat version of Madonna and recreate Her Madgesty's iconic 'Like A Virgin' VMA performance - cat-sized wedding cake and all - in today's VMA animal reenactment.

To read the full story and view the clip visit buzzworthy.mtv.com (for the US) and www.mtv.co.uk/events/vmas (for the UK).

Thanks to Francis

Liz Smith on a new tour and new dancers

Although some of Madonna’s admirers would prefer it if the pop icon didn’t run herself ragged on another world concert tour, that is exactly what she will be doing next year. M is recording songs for a new album and the concert will follow. Well, I suppose you can’t blame her. The last tour was the highest-grossing tour for a solo artist - ever. It was somewhere in the $400 millions. And a girl can never have too many millions.
Madonna has teamed with Smirnoff to hold a 'global dance competition.' The winner will join the star’s troupe as they all writhe and grind their way around the world. This is the first time Madonna has chosen a dancer this way. Well, there has to be a first time for everything and everyone, even Madonna.
She’ll choose her other dancers as she always has in the past.

From www.wowowow.com/liz-smith - thanks to Alex

Madonna and Brahim in France

Madonna and Brahim Zaibat were pictured boarding a small plane at the airport in Biarritz, France on Sunday 21 August.

Picture from AP/Bob Edme Via Yahoo! News

Books: Put the Needle on the Record

madonnalicious reader Matthew Chojnacki contacted us to let fans know about his new book:

I recently wrote an '80s cover art book called Put the Needle on the Record, with a foreword by Jake Shears (Scissor Sisters) and an afterword by Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran). It will be released on Sunday 28 August.

It chronicles 7" and 12" single cover artwork from the 1980s (and Madonna is the most featured of any artist), and I interviewed over 125 musicians and cover artists to get the stories behind the images....everyone from Annie Lennox to Gary Numan.

The book is available for pre-order at Amazon - UK or Amazon - US

Here is a look at the cover and an exclusive sneak-peek at the Like A Prayer page:

UK Magazines: Grazia

The 15 August issue of the UK version of Grazia magazine featured this two-page article about Madonna's forthcoming W.E. film - click on the images to enlarge.

Mr Brainwash Madonna art in London

madonnalicious reader Sebastien spotted this Mr Brainwash Madonna Celebration-style artwork on display at the Opera Gallery in London's Mayfair.

Oakenfold: Madonna works 'tirelessly' in the studio

Madonna is 'easy' to collaborate with and 'works tirelessly in the studio,' according to Paul Oakenfold.
The DJ produced Madonna's 2009 single 'Celebration', and said she was anything but a diva to record with.
He told altsounds.com: 'Madonna was without doubt one of the best artists I have ever worked with. She had so many fantastic ideas and really took her music seriously.'
'You can tell that with Madonna, everything is about the music. She's a global name but still works tirelessly in the studio, puts on her best possible live gigs and puts 100 per cent into everything she does. She's really grounded too and easy to work with.'

From contactmusic.com

Events: Mexico City Madonna Birthday Party

The Smirnoff Co. Partners With Madonna For Nightlife

The Smirnoff Co. today launches the next Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project with the audacious goal of getting 10 million people to discover, share and swap the most original nightlife experiences in 50 countries. The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project is an ambitious attempt to discover the world's most unique and interesting nightlife, culminating in one-of-a-kind experiences on the same night all over the world. This year, Madonna joins the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project to find the best dancer to join her next tour.

Revellers worldwide are invited to co-create and participate in the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project by contributing ideas on what makes their local nightlife distinct in the categories of drinks, dance, fashion, music, places, and more creating a nightlife cocktail of unique events. The most inspiring suggestions from each region will be captured online and then exchanged with another country in November. By participating online, fans will have the chance to win a place at one of the global events or experience another country's party at a Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project event in their own city.
Go to facebook.com/smirnoff or facebook.com/madonna to find out more.

One of the consistent aspects in nightlife culture around the world is the importance of dance. As well as submitting ideas on what makes their country's nightlife special, fans can enter an exclusive dance competition online. Madonna will attend one of the selected Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project experiences where finalists will compete in front of her for the winning spot. The winner may get the opportunity to join Madonna on her next tour as one of her dancers.

'What attracted me to the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project is the combination of participating in the celebration of nightlife around the world and the opportunity to discover the world's best unknown dancers,' said Madonna. 'The best dancers are always in the clubs looking for the most original experience, just like Smirnoff is doing.'

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project strives to showcase, mix and unite the world through unique nightlife and as such the best dancers from around the world will be highlighted for their own style and flair. The submission process for the dance competition begins today and runs until October 10th. To enter, hopefuls must submit a 60-second dance video. For details on the dance submission process and terms and conditions, visit smirnoff.com or madonna.com

Simon Burch, Global Brand Director for The Smirnoff Co., said, 'Smirnoff mixes original nightlife from around the world and gives everyone the chance to be there through extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences. Who better to decide the best in the dance category than Madonna herself?'

The 50 countries participating in the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project include: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Trinidad, Turkey, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, including the exclusive dance competition, is the first component of a multi-faceted agreement between Madonna and her partner Live Nation and Diageo, the parent company of The Smirnoff Co. More details to be released in the coming months.

From Madonna.com

Events: Madonna Birthday Party in Bangkok

Vote: Billboard - Best VMA Performance Ever

Billboard.com now want to know What's The Best VMA Performance Ever? in an online poll being run to celebrate the annual MTV awards event.

Voting closes on Tuesday 23 August and Billboard.com will announce the top ten results. Fans can vote for three Madonna options:

1984 - Like A Virgin
1990 - Vogue
2003 - Like A Virgin/Hollywood (with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera)

To vote for Madonna visit billboard.com/poll-best-mtv-vmas-performance-ever

If you only vote for one - make it Vogue - surely the most iconic and amazing performance EVER!

Thanks to *Tia

Madonna stencil art in North London

madonnalicious received this picture of a mural done in North London in honour of Madonna's birthday:

I am a street artist named Pegasus and I have done a Madonna Stencil in North London...please take a look! I am a huge M fan and this was done on the eve of her birthday...just for her!

Visit Pegasus' page at www.facebook.com/Pegasus-Street-Artist

Madonna's birthday message to fans

Madonna left this message at Madonna.com thanking fans for their birthday wishes:

'Thanks for all the birthday love! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world today!'

Vote: Four MTV VMA Polls

Fans can vote for Madonna in FOUR categories in an online poll being run at MTV:

Most Iconic VMA Performance (1984 Like A Virgin)
newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/12/most-iconic-vma-moments

Most Outrageous VMA Moment (Madonna-Britney-Christina kiss)
newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/12/most-outrageous-vma-moments

Best Pop Performance (Vogue)
newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/12/best-vma-pop-performance

Best 'Video of the Year' of the 1990's (Ray Of Light)
newsroom.mtv.com/2011/08/12/best-video-vma-1990s

Polls close Wednesday 24 August, so vote now and vote often!
Results will be announced in the lead-up to the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, which air live from Los Angeles on Sunday 28 August at 9:00PM on MTV.

Thanks to Miguel

Events: Chicago Birthday Parties

Madonna's birthday weekend on the beach

Madonna spent the weekend in the Hamptons with Brahim Zaibat before jetting back into London with her family today. To see the pictures visit Mail Online