Look To The Stars News: Hugh Grant

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.

The black-tie gala will take place at the acclaimed Carlu in Toronto, and will include cocktails, dinner prepared by renowned Canadian chef Jamie Kennedy, and a luxury live auction. amfAR and Dignitas will share all proceeds from the event, funding that will benefit crucial AIDS research initiatives and efforts to improve quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, amfAR has awarded 52 grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in Canada, totaling more than US$2.6 million, making Canada the recipient of more amfAR funding than any countries except the U.S. and Australia.

amfAR’s first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 Cannes International Film Festival and was hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the Cannes festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995.

Cinema Against AIDS has also been held on various occasions during the Venice, Sundance, Rome, and Dubai film festivals, and in all cases these events have attracted a stunning guest list of top celebrities, entertainment industry elite, and international society. Traditionally, celebrities in the room assist with the live auction. Participants have included Ben Affleck, Prince Albert of Monaco, Lance Armstrong, Mary J. Blige, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Sofia Coppola, Penelope Cruz, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sheryl Crow, Carla Fendi, Andy Garcia, Richard Gere, Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Hurley, Iman, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Scarlett Johansson, Milla Jovovich, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Kline, Diane Kruger, Diego Luna, David Lynch, Madonna, Sienna Miller, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Clive Owen, Robert Pattinson, Sean Penn, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Kurt Russell, Claudia Schiffer, Julian Schnabel, Monica Seles, Mira Sorvino, Sylvester Stallone, Rod Stewart, Quentin Tarantino, Charlize Theron, Sigourney Weaver, Harvey Weinstein and Robin Williams, among others.

The film and entertainment communities have been committed and generous supporters of amfAR and the fight against AIDS since the start of the epidemic, and the Cinema Against AIDS galas have proven to be among the most high-profile and successful AIDS benefits worldwide. Since 1993, these signature amfAR events have played a pivotal role in focusing attention on the continued fight against AIDS, and have generated more than US$48 million in support of the foundation’s AIDS research programs.

Ticket info can be found here.

Hugh Grant Supports Newspaper Charity Campaign

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Hugh Grant has thrown his support behind a campaign being run by a newspaper in North West England to raise money for cancer nurses.

The actor was in Bolton to help launch a campaign being run by The Bolton News that aims to raise over $200,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses, who care for terminal cancer patients who want to die at home.

“I know from my own experience how important it is to have someone you love die at home, cared for by a Marie Curie nurse,“ said the 48-year-old – whose mother died of pancreatic cancer in 2001 – told the newspaper. “That’s why I’m supporting the Bolton nursing appeal; £20 can pay for an hour of care but you don’t have to just donate your money, you could get sponsored to take on a challenge, hold an event or share some of your time and skills.

“Whatever way you can, please support Bolton’s Marie Curie nurses, they do such an amazing job.”

According to The Bolton News, there are 21 Marie Curie nurses in the region, who provided more than 12,000 hours of care last year, free of charge.

Donations to the campaign can be made at www.mariecurie.org.uk/bolton.

Hugh Grant Supports Health Website

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British actor Hugh Grant has thrown his support behind a new website for cancer sufferers.

The star is helping spread awareness of www.healthtalkonline.org in memory of his late mother, who died of the disease in 2001.

“When my mother was diagnosed… eight years ago, the doctors were great but you did want, and I know she wanted, more information,“ said Grant. “You wanted to really hear it from the horse’s mouth – what is this thing like? What’s it like to experience it? You know, what are the options? What are the possibilities? I went on this website, HealthTalkOnline, and it was just so far superior to anything that was available then and frankly anything that’s available now. The vast majority of these health websites you end up on are sponsored by big pharmaceutical companies and are just slightly slanted. They have a commercial aspect. This is all done by top Oxford doctors and is the website of quality, I think.”

The site gives out advice and encourages patients to share their stories about illnesses by gathering interviews about their first-hand experiences.

To watch a BBC interview with Hugh Grant about the website, click here. To visit the website, click here.

A Charity Treat For Bridget Jones Fans

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

With talk of a third Bridget Jones movie in the pipeline, fans are now able to celebrate the franchise by getting their hands on a unique item from the original film signed by one of the stars.

Hugh Grant has signed a pair of oversized women’s underpants – as seen in that classic scene in Bridget Jones’ Diary – for a charity auction.

The actor has written "Hello Mummy!“ on the pants, and the item is being sold for the Royal Parks Foundation, which raises funds for special projects in the Royal Parks – from creating new education centres out of dilapidated buildings to planting reed beds to encourage the populations of water birds and dragonflies. The foundation helps conserve and support the Parks for today’s visitors – and future generations. Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The pants also come with a bottle of champaign, and the auction can be accessed here until August 19.

Hugh Grant Announces Cancer Survey Findings

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0000

British actor Hugh Grant attended a special event in London earlier this week to help launch a campaign to make terminally ill cancer patients aware of nursing services which allow them to die at home.

The actor was at the Marie Curie Cancer Care at the British Museum to discuss the findings of a survey he commissioned to identify awareness levels of the Marie Curie Nursing Service across the UK.

While four out of five of the UK population have heard of Marie Curie Cancer Care, the new survey shows that 79 per cent of the population doesn’t know if there is a Marie Curie Nursing Service available to them locally. Just under half (48 per cent) responded – ‘don’t know’ when asked how they would go about getting a Marie Curie Nurse.

Announcing the findings, Hugh Grant said: “I know from my own experience how important access to the Marie Curie Nursing Service is to patients at the end of their lives and to their families. Ninety-six percent of the country has access to the Marie Curie Nursing Service. People don’t need to wait to be offered a Marie Curie Nurse – you can ask your GP, your district nurse or go to the Marie Curie Cancer Care website for more information.”

Marie Curie Cancer nurses cared for Hugh Grant’s mother in her final days.

“They were so fantastic to my mum who, eight years ago almost to the day, was in her last 24 hours and if you can ever have a happy last 24 hours she pretty much had one, and entirely thanks to Marie Curie.

“It just seems such a shame. There’s this incredible opportunity to give people who are dying this option, this dignity, this loving environment to die in. It seems very sad that so many people don’t realize that it’s there on their doorstep and it’s free.

“The statistics show that the majority of people who are ill will want to die at home and a lot of those people don’t do that because they think they are going to be a burden on their family or they think they won’t get the right palliative care at home or they won’t be able to afford it.“

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation’s Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Proceeds will go to the well-being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel.

To find out more, click here.

London Critics’ Circle Invite You to Film Awards

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

The London Critics’ Circle is inviting you to attend their 29th annual film awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Proceeds from the event are to benefit The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), a UK based charity that advocates for child protection through public awareness campaigns, helplines, and counseling services.

Tickets to the Film Awards, to be held on February 4, 2009, are on sale for £200 (US$297) per person, or £2000(US$2970) per table. The star-studded event will begin with a champagne reception, followed by the award ceremony. The evening will continue with dinner and dancing, before coming to a close with carriages at 1:30. Celebrity attendees of past ceremonies include notables such as Hugh Grant, Nicole Kidman, Sienna Miller, and Martin Scorsese amongst others. This year, Dame Judi Dench has been confirmed to be on hand to accept the Circle’s highest honor.

Nominations for the 2009 Awards include a selection sure to please any film buff. Film Section Chair Jason Solomons told Look to the Stars, "I am thrilled with this year’s set of nominations which show a wide range of critical tastes and, I hope, a refreshing mix of studio movies and independent-minded film making.” He remarks that the participation of a record number of critics and films this year will “hopefully…encourage our public to be as proud and supportive of our own films and industry as we (the London Critics’ Circle) clearly are.”

This year’s partnership with the NSPCC continues a tradition dating back to 1994. A Film Awards brochure explains the choice of charity noting, “We (the Critics’ Circle Film Section) are very proud of our long association with the NSPCC, a great and deserving charity that works ceaselessly for distressed, abused and deprived children. Every penny raised by our Awards goes to the NSPCC and towards helping somewhere a child who is in dire need.”

For more information about obtaining tickets to the 29th annual awards, visit the NSPCC website

Lap Of Honour To Support British Forces

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A Mini is being driven around the UK in support of the British Forces Foundation, collecting the signatures of 50 top British celebrities.

The car began its 10-month-long “Lap of Honour” journey on June 11, with an inaugural signature from opera star Katherine Jenkins, and has so far collected further signatures from Hugh Grant, Michael Caine, author Frederick Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench and James Blunt.

The Lap of Honour will culminate in the BFF’s 10th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall next April. The concert line-up will feature the stars who have entertained British troops overseas, including Blunt, Jenkins and seasoned rockers Status Quo.

Following the concert, the car and an accompanying signed photo album will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Foundation.

Hugh Grant Supports New Charity Funding

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Hugh Grant has openly welcomed the British Government’s decision last week to increase funding to Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses by £4.5 million (US$9 million).

An Ambassador for the charity, Grant has made a moving tribute about the work of Marie Curie nurses who provide care to terminally ill cancer patients – including his own mother.

“I am one of those people who came into contact with Marie Curie just because someone in my family died,” said the 47-year-old. “In my case it was my mother; she died of cancer in 2001. She wanted to die at home as most people do and not many people can for various reasons. Marie Curie came out to my brother’s house and enabled my mother to have a very dignified and quite cosy and loving last three weeks – not just because they are brilliant nurses, but they are just really great people to have around. I was very impressed. I operate in a world that’s full of scumbags and it’s very odd to come across nice people, people who actually do good.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this week, provides free end-of-life care for around 27,000 cancer patients who want to end their days at home every year.

The Spy Who Loved Me For Charity

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ever fancy a kiss with James Bond? Or a cuddle with Hugh Grant? One lucky bidder did on Tuesday night, when they won the chance to do exactly that at a charity auction in London.

The Great British Movie Event, a dinner and auction to raise cash for the National Film and Television School, attracted a host of famous faces, including Richard Attenborough, Christopher Lee, Rowan Atkinson, Honor Blackman, Bill Nighy, and Richard Curtis. Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the evening raised over $800,000 for the school, which specializes in high-end media training.

The chance to kiss three living legends – Hugh Grant, James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and Harry Potter’s Robbie Coltrane – sold for a whopping $39,000, with the honor going to Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond film franchise.

And although they didn’t have to fight over the girl, Craig and Grant did enter into a bidding war over some Harry Potter memorabilia, with Craig eventually paying $36,000 for the chance to own some of the famous wizard’s belongings. Hugh Grant was later outbid again, this time for two walk-on parts in one of his own films…

Other items up for auction on the night included the dinner jacket worn by Daniel Craig in the most recent Bond film ‘Casino Royale’, which sold for almost $20,000, and a signed copy of JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which fetched $39,000.

Orlando And Bono Attend Gorbachev Gala

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:36:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev hosted a glittering charity gala at Hampton Court on Saturday night that saw a stunning array of celebrities show up to support the fight against cancer in children.

Kate Beckinsale, Orlando Bloom, Tracey Emin, Petra Nemcova, Kevin Spacey and Joan Collins were just some of the stars that turned out for the dinner, auction and dance to raise money for the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation – a charity established by Mr Gorbachev following the death of his wife in 1999.

A three course dinner was followed by an impressive selection of items up for auction, including a private night at Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair for 160 people, clothes from designer Giles Deacon, a new Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and a private high-speed drive with British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

This was followed by a moving speech made by Hugh Grant, whose mother died from cancer in 2001, and a special performance from Bono.

“We are delighted Hugh is so involved this year,” said one of the organizers. “He is a very important part of the charity. For him to stand up and talk about his late mother is very special. It’s a night where people really do go to incredible lengths to raise money for an amazingly worthwhile charity.”

Last year’s Gala was also an exciting event.

Hugh Grant Blooms For Charity Appeal

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:06:43 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British actor Hugh Grant, best known for his roles in a series of romantic comedies, has pledged his support for the annual major fundraising campaign of one of Britain’s most well known cancer charities.

The 47-year-old actor is the face and voice behind this year’s Daffodil Day Campaign, the flagship fundraising event for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Grant has recorded radio and television advertisements to highlight the campaign, which runs throughout March, as part of the organization’s 60th anniversary.

Marie Curie Cancer Care provides nurses to terminally ill patients who want to die at home, and Grant first came into contact with the organization when his mother, Fynvola, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer eight years ago. She was under the care of Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses when she passed away in 2001.

“Mum was very determined – as apparently most people are in her situation – to die at home and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without them,” said Grant in an interview in the Daily Telegraph. “She was in quite a lot of pain and very weak and needed 24-hour care. They were just incredibly discreet and good humored, and above all, astonishingly kind.”

The Marie Curie Cancer Care Daffodil Day campaign is due to launch on March 2, and the advertising will focus on the things people want to do when they have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The organization hopes to encourage as many people as possible to wear Daffodil badges during March, or to purchase other Daffodil Day merchandise such as umbrellas, dog tags, “wellies” (boots), and of course flowers. Merchandise will be available from street sellers all over Britain, as well as online.

Idols To Give Back On TV Special

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:21:10 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Forest Whitaker will be appearing on the two-night special, Idol Gives Back on April 24th and 25th. The stars hope to raise awareness and funds for relief programs helping children living in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

Other celebrities who plan to appear include the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Helena Bonham Carter, Daniel Radcliffe, Teri Hatcher, and Rowan Atkinson.

The show on the 25th will include entertainment by Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Viewers will be encouraged to make donations on toll-free lines and the Internet, with the funds being distributed via the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund to Save the Children, UNICEF, and other organizations dealing with poverty, health and education in the U.S. and Africa.

The event is inspired by Red Nose Day, part of the UK’s Comic Relief, which has raised over $800 million in its history of entertainment fundraisers.

Celebrity Kissing Booth

Wed, 17 May 2006 20:51:57 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Supermodel Kate Moss sold a one-minute kiss to wealthy businessman Philip Green for £60,000 ($108,000) at a recent charity auction to benefit the Hoping Foundation.

Choosing not to exercise his kissing rights as winning bidder, Green made the UK popular press’ day by ceding the honours to second highest bidder Jemima Khan, girlfriend of Hugh Grant.

The Hoping Foundation provides grants to community projects working with children in Palestinian refugee camps.

Dennis Quaid Charity Weekend Aims to Raise $500,000

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 21:33:39 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Over 30 celebrities are expected to attend the Dennis Quaid 2006 Charity Weekend from 4th-7th of May in Austin, Texas, where the actor lives.

Top names such as Hugh Grant, Greg Kinnear and Matthew McConaughey will reportedly be among those aiming to raise $500,000 for local and international children’s charities. Planned events include a celebrity poker challenge, a fashion show, an auction, golf and a benefit concert by Quaid’s band The Sharks.

The Dennis Quaid Charity Weekend has become an annual event since its inauguration in 2003, and has raised $700,000 to date. This year’s event will benefit Any Baby Can, Austin Children’s Shelter, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, and the International Hospital for Children.

Barrymore Raises Funds For Food

Sat, 25 Mar 2006 12:43:50 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Drew Barrymore recently travelled to Kenya in an effort to help some of the 11 million people in East Africa who are suffering from poverty and drought.

Photos the actress took while visiting the affected people of the area were sold in an auction that raised nearly $20,000 for the World Food Programme. One dollar will feed five hungry children for a day. Fellow filmstars Lucy Liu and Hugh Grant were among the winning bidders supporting the cause.

Barrymore has also designed a locket that will be sold through Marie Claire Magazine and on the internet. Some of the proceeds go to feed schoolchildren as a part of Marie Claire’s Shop For Charity World Hunger Campaign.

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