Look To The Stars News: Sigourney Weaver

Stars To Celebrate Global Health Achievements

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Soros, Gordon Brown and many more will come together this week to celebrate global health achievements.

The 2011 Global Business Coalition Conference and Gala Awards Dinner rolls out the red carpet on June 2, bringing together major celebrities, heads of state, big-name CEOs, and more for our most memorable evening yet. Actor, comedian and activist Whoopi Goldberg will host an evening that includes honoring two of GBC’s visionary founding supporters—George Soros and Ted Turner—and celebrates the power of business to create positive change on global health. Gordon and Sarah Brown will be recognized for their years of work and leadership addressing international health concerns, and we will pay special tribute to GBC’s founding CEO and leader, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke.

With Sigourney Weaver and Kim Cattrall on hand to present awards to George Soros and the Browns, and a stellar evening of musical performances from acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician, Natalie Merchant, and top South African musicians, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela, June 2 with GBC is sure to be an unforgettable night!

Sigourney Weaver Narrates Amazon Video

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Amazon Watch and International Rivers have teamed up to create a state-of-the-art 10-minute Google Earth 3-D tour and video narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, with technical assistance from Google Earth Outreach, in support of Brazil’s Movimento Xingu Vivo Para Sempre (Xingu River Forever Alive Movement).

The video and tour allow viewers to learn about the harmful impacts of, and alternatives to the massive Belo Monte Dam Complex on the Amazon’s Xingu River. A Portuguese version of the video and tour, narrated by well-known Brazilian actor Dira Paes, will be launched next week.

The interactive tour and video call attention to the Belo Monte Dam, which, if built, would be the third-largest hydroelectric dam in the world. The dam would divert the flow of the Xingu River, one of the most important tributaries of the Amazon River, in order to produce electricity for industrial mining operations in the region. The dam’s reservoirs would flood 668 square kilometers, displace more than 20,000 people, and generate methane, a lethal greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Late last week, the Brazilian government signed the concession to build the $17 billion-dollar project, ignoring local, national, and international opposition, proven financial and technical risks, and the ready availability of clean energy alternatives.

James Cameron Plans Amazon Documentary

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Avatar director James Cameron has announced that his next film could be a documentary about the Brazilian rain forest tribe he visited earlier this year, and their fight against the proposed hydroelectric dam that could flood them out.

Cameron and Avatar stars Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, and wife Suzy Amis Cameron were in Brazil in April to raise worldwide awareness about Brazilian indigenous communities’ battle to stop the massive Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River in the Amazon rainforest.

“There are many logical arguments against this dam,” wrote Cameron in a letter to President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva at the time. “The Belo Monte dam will inundate over 500 square km of land, and divert nearly the entire flow of the Xingu through two artificial canals to the dam’s powerhouse. This alone will leave Indigenous and traditional communities along a 100 km stretch of the Volta Grande without water, fish, or a means of river transport. The lowering of the water table would destroy the agricultural production of the region, affecting Indigenous and non-Indigenous farmers, as well as water quality.”

Sigourney Weaver Sees Hope For The Seas

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:30:00 +0000

In response to US President Obama’s new national policy to protect the oceans, actress Sigourney Weaver has newfound hope for the future of the seas.

In an article in The Huffington Post, Weaver said of the policy, “This is the most significant action any US President in history has ever taken for our seas. It will help make our oceans stronger and healthier, and help them fight off the myriad of threats they face today. It will help clean up the pollution that contaminates our beachwater, protect endangered species, keep the seafood we love on our plates, and make the oceans more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

She also brought attention to a lesser known affect of carbon emissions: acidification.

Sigourney Weaver Blogs For Ocean Conservation

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Avatar star Sigourney Weaver has blogged in the Huffington Post about protecting the oceans on Earth Day.

“On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, at a time when our country’s attention will be focused on what we need to do to protect our planet, I am honored to be in our nation’s Capital to testify before Congress on an emerging environmental threat,” she wrote. “I will be testifying before the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on the topic of ocean acidification.”

Weaver has been in the news over the last few weeks for her conservation work in Brazil with James Cameron, and she also helped with Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid To Save The Earth.

James Cameron To Attend Avatar Home Tree Event On Earth Day

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Following their visit to the Amazon rainforests last week, James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver headed back to Washington DC to talk about their experience.

“A lot of people around the world consider the Amazon the last great river and the Amazon forest is vital to the survival of the whole planet,” said Weaver. “[We saw] tribal chieftains talking about their grandchildren, how the way of life that they’ve lived for centuries will disappear on a whole section of the Amazon.”

The pair were in Brazil to raise awareness of the indigenous communities’ battles to stop the massive Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River in the Amazon rainforest. On returning to the US, they learnt a judge had ordered the suspension of the preliminary license for the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam and the cancellation of the auction.

James Cameron Returns Triumphant From Amazon Trip

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Avatar director and one of its stars have played a part in halting an industrial development project that threatens indigenous people of the Amazon.

Earlier this week, we brought you the story of James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver’s trip to Brazil to raise awareness of the indigenous communities’ battles to stop the massive Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River in the Amazon rainforest. We are now happy to report that the Dam Project Auctions have been canceled, and both stars are now in Washington DC for meetings with US Government officials.

James Cameron Takes Avatar Stars To Brazil On Conservation Visit

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:30:00 +0000

James Cameron, director of Avatar, was in Brazil this week accompanied by Avatar stars Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, and wife Suzy Amis Cameron to raise worldwide awareness about Brazilian indigenous communities’ battle to stop the massive Belo Monte Dam on the Xingu River in the Amazon rainforest.

The Brazilian Government is auctioning the Dam project on April 20th. As reported on the front page of Sunday’s New York Times, Cameron visited the lower Xingu River basin from March 28-30 and was asked by leaders from indigenous communities to help them fight the dam, which is expected to devastate their environment and way of life. Given the urgency, Cameron agreed to return to Brazil to support Brazilian civil society’s campaign to challenge the dam.

Charitybuzz Launches A Bid To Save The Earth

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth will be laying out the green carpet for celebrities who are lending their star power for a bid to save the earth.

Celebrities are turning out to be among the biggest players in philanthropy in 2010. The Green Auction exemplifies what can be achieved when a fantastic mix of people from various industries, unite for one purpose: to advocate for the environment.

Stars Sign Chrysler Car For Charity Auction

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

February 20 will see a Chrysler 300 signed by hundreds of celebrities go under the hammer to raise money for the Red Cross’ relief efforts in Haiti.

The car has been signed by everybody who is anybody in Hollywood, including George Clooney, Oprah, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman, Paul McCartney, Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Mariah Carey, Stanley Tucci, Nicole Kidman, Sigourney Weaver, Mark Wahlberg, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Gerard Butler, Seal, Heidi Klum, Kiefer Sutherland, Woody Harrelson, Hugh Laurie, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and many more.

Tulsa’s Leake Auction Company will auction the car at their Collector Car Auction in Oklahoma City.

Actresses Honor Teachers, Past And Present

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

“The teacher that I miss and remember with such gratitude is Florence Hunt, who taught English. She encouraged me to write plays, she took me to plays, and when I got into drama school, I wrote her to tell her that her support really made such a huge difference. Teachers are the best.” So says actress Sigourney Weaver in response to the troubling trend of American teachers having to buy classroom supplies with their own money.

Actress Sharon Lawrence also shared some fond memories: “I was part of the first integrated school system in Charlotte, North Carolina, and my teacher, Queen T Bird, was the first inspiring teacher I ever had. She changed the way I thought about myself, the way I thought about my classmates, the way I thought about everything, really. I’m very grateful to Miss Queen T Bird for being the teacher of my life.”

In support of such teachers across the US, Adopt-A-Classroom partnered with Office Max in a campaign called Working To Erase Teacher Funded Classrooms to create an annual, one-day event, “A Day Made Better,” now in its third year. Besides bringing attention to the situation, 1100 teachers nominated by their principals for their exceptional efforts were each given a huge box of supplies worth $1000 earlier this month.

Celebrity Women Honored At Humanitarian Awards

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Some of the hottest female stars in show business, including Christina Applegate, Christina Aguilera, Maria Bello and Anne Hathaway, were honored for their charity work at Variety’s first annual Power Of Women Luncheon last week.

Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and hosted by Jane Lynch, the event highlighted the humanitarian work carried out by women in the entertainment business.

“These are very busy, successful women who have found time and a place in their heart to give back to others and make a huge impact,” said Lynch.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

Stars For A Cause On Display

Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A selection of celebrity designed/autographed jewelry, footwear and other unique items will be on display at auction house Bonhams in New Bond Street, London, tomorrow before being auctioned at Bonhams and Butterfields in Los Angeles on May 28.

Half of the proceeds of the auction, organized by Stars For A Cause, will go to charities chosen by the participating stars, such as the The Art of Elysium, Keep A Child Alive, Red Cross, Elton John AIDS Foundation, UNICEF and many many more. The other half will go to the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people develop confidence, motivation and skills to find work.

Celebrities taking part in the campaign include Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Gervais, Charlize Theron, Goldie Hawn, Miley Cyrus, Colin Farrell, Susan Sarandon, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver and more.

Stars Heal Patients With A Kiss

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Medicinema is a registered charity that has partnered with the Health Sector and the Film Industry, installing state-of-the-art cinemas on site in hospitals around the United Kingdom.

By creating purpose built cinemas in hospitals, Medicinema provides a much needed escape for the patients – it’s a welcome break from the hospital ward. Each cinema is specially designed to cater for beds and wheel chairs and nursing staff on duty throughout every Medicinema screening.

With nurses instead of usherettes, Medicinema harnesses the magic of the Silver Screen to help enrich the quality of life for patients. By screening the latest releases for patients young and old – including those in beds and on wheelchairs – patients and their families are able to escape the reality of hospital life.

Celebrity Lip Prints To Be Auctioned For Charity

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:00:00 +0000

A collection of over 50 original signed lip prints from some of the biggest names in film will be auctioned in April in support of the charity Medicinema.

Amongst the stars who have donated a Healed With A Kiss lip print are Keira Knightley, Ewan McGregor, Kate Winslet, John Travolta, Shirley MacLaine, Jeff Goldblum, Madonna, Jeremy Irons, Sigourney Weaver, Dame Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson and Glenn Close.

A window display, featuring copies of a selection of the kisses, will be unveiled in Fenwick Bond Street, London and Newcastle during the lead up to Valentine’s Day 2009. The entire collection of over 50 original Healed With A Kiss signed prints will be exhibited at The Movieum, County Hall, London in March 2009. The Exhibition will culminate with a Party on 2nd April at the Movieum, as the first in a series of events to help celebrate MediCinema’s 10th Anniversary year. The lip prints will be auctioned during the Party at the Movieum to help MediCinema bring the magic that is cinema to patients, including those in beds and wheelchairs, in hospitals around the UK.

Anne Hathaway Auctions Date For Charity

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Actress Anne Hathaway surprised guests at a charity gala on Saturday night by auctioning off a date to the highest bidder.

The 26-year-old was hosting the 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night event to benefit The Trevor Project when she made the surprise announcement.

“I’m not usually very forward, but I thought if there was ever a crowd for me to do something like this, this is my crowd – so I would like to auction myself off,” she said during the event, which was aimed to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention.

Trevor Project To Honor Sigourney Weaver With Life Award

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:00 +0000

On December 7, the 11th annual fundraising event, Cracked Xmas: A Not So Silent Night, will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, California, to benefit The Trevor Project, a 24-hour suicide hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth.

The Trevor Project will be honoring Lifetime Networks and Academy Award Nominated Actress, Sigourney Weaver. Weaver, who has never been afraid to take on roles that brought the LGBTQ and straight communities together by defying stereotypes, will be honored with The Trevor Life Award.

“We are delighted to honor Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime Networks, since they both demonstrate the courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance,” Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

Anne Hathaway Gets Ready For A Cracked Xmas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The Trevor Project – the nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention – is to hold an evening of irreverent comedy, performances, and awards next month.

The 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night will be presented by Anne Hathaway and will honor Sigourney Weaver with a Life Award for her support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Previous recipients include Ellen DeGeneres, Debra Messing, and Rosie O’Donnell.

“I feel grateful and humbled to be honored with the Trevor Life Award, and to be recognized as an ally to the LGBTQ community,” said Weaver. “I hope that films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ will send messages of compassion and acceptance to all people, and compel them to create safer, all-encompassing environments for our young people.”

Sigourney Weaver Awards Outstanding Women In Conservation

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Actress and environmentalist Sigourney Weaver played Master of Ceremonies last month at the Audubon Society’s annual Women In Conservation award luncheon in New York.

Among the recipients of Audubon’s Rachel Carson Award was Bette Midler for her extraordinary contribution to conservation and the environment.

Specifically, Midler was being recognized for her New York Restoration Project (NYRP), which she founded in 1995 as a response to her initial disappointment to the visual pollution when she first moved to New York City.