Jan. 29, 2007

Take Two

He may be the underdog for Best Supporting Actor at this year's Academy Awards, where he faces off against frontrunner Eddie Murphy ('Dreamgirls'), Alan Arkin ('Little Miss Sunshine'), Mark Wahlberg ('The Departed') and Jackie Earle Haley ('Little Children'), but this isn't 'Blood Diamond' star Djimon Hounsou's first shot at Oscar gold. Hounsou was nominated in the same category in 2004 for his role in 'In America,' and remembers the hectic schedule that comes with being an Oscar nominee.

"It's great to be nominated and the minute you hear the nomination from 5 o'clock in the morning, you're on the run," said the 41-year-old actor, who has also won an NAACP Image Award, Independent Spirit Award, National Board of Review Award, Black Reel Award and a ShoWest Convention Award. Hounsou said the last couple of years had been peaceful watching the hoopla surrounding the Oscars from the sidelines. "It was nice to sit back and watch because the process of it is so draining."

The West African star (he hails from Cotonou, Benin), who earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role as Cinqué in the 1997 Steven Spielberg film 'Amistad,' wasn't as fluid with the English language when he first started in the business. Hounsou used American television to help him master his English. "It was mostly watching documentaries on television," he recalled. [I watched] The History Channel and The Learning Channel."

Despite earning accolades for his work now, Hounsou still gets nervous about his English when he signs on for film roles. "I can sit here and converse with you but when it comes to work I'm always worried about not being heard clearly. Never any need to fit in, meaning to sound like everybody else, and that's certainly unnerving for the most part," he said.

Living The Dream

No one throws a party like Walt Disney World. The famed vacation kingdom kicked off its "Year of a Million Dreams" concept with a two-day celebration that helped launched several new attractions including 'Finding Nemo-The Musical,' 'The Seas with Nemo & Friends' and 'Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club.'

The park also opened its money-can't-buy suite inside the iconic Cinderella Castle and a Michigan family, The Fouchs, was the first family picked to break the room in. The Disney Dream Job promotion, where people actually win their ideal position at Disney, was launched as well. The celebration also unveiled new images by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, which feature Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a spin in a giant teacup and British imported soccer player David Beckham slaying a dragon.

While media guests dined on the finest foods and spirits, Disney staffers (they're actually called cast members) waited on us hand and foot. Even rain couldn't stop the amazing parties tailored for the occasion. While syndicated radio hosts like Steve Harvey and Doug Banks broadcasted live daily, celebrities like KeKe Palmer ('Akeelah and the Bee'), Ace Young ('American Idol') and Joey Fatone of N'Sync were on hand to make the experience worthwhile.

Fatone confirmed that he has definitely signed up for the next season of 'Dancing With The Stars.' Young, who previously dated 'Half & Half' star Essence Atkins, is working on new music and actually co-wrote the first single, "It's Not Over," from 'Idol' alum Chris Daughtry's debut album. Palmer stars next in the Disney film 'Jump In!,' which Disney reps are already projecting will surpass the success of Disney phenomenon, 'High School Musical.'

Frankly Speaking

"Sit still and revenge will visit thy enemies!" - Anonymous

Page 2 of the BV Buzz