My baby kicked at Oscars

Natalie Portman has revealed that her baby was kicking enthusiastically while she was at the Oscars ceremony at Los Angeles' Kodak Theatre last night.

The actress, who won the coveted 'Best Actress' award for her performance as psychotic ballerina Nina Sayers in Black Swan, explained that her baby seemed to be enjoying the performances during the show.

When asked how her baby had reacted to her win after she had collected her statuette, she replied: "I couldn't tell you. I don't really remember anything that happened just now. But the baby was definitely kicking a lot during the song portion of the show. Little dancer."

However, despite her win, the 29-year-old insisted that she would not be calling her baby Oscar if it's a boy: "I think that's probably, definitely, out of the question."

Portman explained that she now plans to relax in bed before the arrival of her firstborn.

She added: "The next dream I have in terms of the very short-term future is staying in bed, not having to do my make-up or hair, and keeping my sweats on, relaxing. For my child, to be happy and healthy is what every parent could only wish for.

"One of the most exciting things about being pregnant is that I'm accepting the complete unknown. It's a complete mystery and miracle."

Natalie Portman eyes box office crown

LOS ANGELES: Natalie Portman goes up against herself at the North American box office this weekend when her romantic romp "No Strings Attached" opens on Friday.

Few would have guessed that Portman's awards contender "Black Swan" would still be going strong when "No Strings" -- also starring Ashton Kutcher -- hit theaters. Last weekend, when "Swan" ranked at No. 5 with cumulative sales of $73 million, Portman won a Golden Globe for "Swan."

The big question is whether reigning champ "The Green Hornet" can fend off "No Strings." Last weekend, "Hornet" debuted to $33.5 million, and the Sony comic-book adaptation will probably lose about half its audience in its second round.

"No Strings" distributor Paramount expects its film to open in the mid-to-high teen millions, in line with other R-rated romantic comedies. It was produced for a modest $25 million, so the studio doesn't need a huge opening weekend. Women are the primary audience for a storyline that explores whether casual sex can actually stay casual.

Other new releases include Peter Weir's survivor drama "The Way Back" in 650 theaters; and John Wells' corporate-downsizing drama "The Company Men" in 106 theaters, exactly one year after the film made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Originally, the Weinstein Co. was going to open "Company Men" last year in time for awards consideration, but it pushed back the release.

Overall, it's going to be another down weekend at the box office. Once a movie graveyard, January turned in strong performances the past several years, and especially last year with Avatar. January 2011 is a return to less prosperous times.

Portman wins best actress Globe

BEVERLY HILLS: A pregnant Natalie Portman won the best actress award at the Golden Globes show on Sunday, for her role in the ballet-themed dance drama "Black Swan."

In her acceptance speech she thanked her co-stars and her fiance, French ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied, who she met on the movie's set and with whom she is expecting a baby.

In the film Millepied's character dismisses Portman's as someone he wouldn't want to sleep with. "It's not true. He's the best actor in the movie -- he totally wants to sleep with me," she said.

She also heaped praise on the film's director, Darren Aronofsky.

"Darren, I met you 10 years ago when we talked about this for the first time," she said. "And thank you for continuing to work on this movie and then to give me such a beautiful, beautiful gift with this role.

"Every time we finished our takes you would say, 'Now do this one for yourself.' And that gave me such beautiful inspiration as an actor to not just be a muse, that I could created on my own as well. I love you so much."

Portman had been up against Halle Berry ("Frankie and Alice"), Nicole Kidman ("Rabbit Hole"), Jennifer Lawrence ("Winter's Bone") and Michelle Williams ("Blue Valentine") for the best actress award.

The Golden Globes, launching Hollywood's annual awards season, is traditionally seen as a pointer to success at the more prestigious Academy Awards on February 27.

Natalie Portman goes topless for new ad

Actress Natalie Portman has gone topless for her new Dior perfume ad.
Portman posed provocatively in the new Miss Dior Cherie campaign - in the picture she covers her breast with her arms and steams up the camera wearing nothing but a dark blue bow in her hair, reports dailystar.co.uk.

The actress had stunned fans and friends last month when she announced she was engaged to choreographer Benjamin Millepied and expecting his child.