ITV

Category: Awards

  • Ellen DeGeneres to host the Oscar Awards next year

    Ellen DeGeneres to host the Oscar Awards next year

    MUMBAI: American television personality Ellen Degeneres will host the most prestigious event in Hollywood, the79th Annual Academy Awards or the Oscars as it is known. The award giving function will be held in Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on 25 February next year.

    This marks the fourth presenter in as many years for the show. In India the show will air on Star Movies while in the US it will air on ABC.

    The Association of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has been desparately trying to appeal to a younger demographic. The three previous hosts were Steve Martin, Chris Rock and Jon Stewart. The feeling in some quarters though is that in a Tivo environment a lot of viewers do not want to spend over three hours watching a show.

    DeGeneres is the host of the syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which this year won its third Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show and earned DeGeneres her second Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host.

    The announcement of DeGeneres as the host was made by producer Laura Ziskin. DeGeneres says, “When Laura Ziskin called, I was thrilled. There are two things I have always wanted to do in my life. One is to host the Oscars. The second is to get a call from Laura Ziskin. You can imagine that days diary entry.”

    DeGeneres has twice hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, and co-hosted the show in 1994. For her first solo Emmy stint, which took place shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, she received high praise.

    Ampas president Sid Ganis says, “She just sparkles. She is such a pleasure to watch. Her wit cuts to the truth of things, but in a wonderfully warm-spirited way. I think she’ll be a fantastic host for this show and we’re extremely pleased that she’s agreed to do it.”

  • Kelly Clarkson, James Blunt triumph at MTV Video Music Awards

    Kelly Clarkson, James Blunt triumph at MTV Video Music Awards

    MUMBAI: Singers Kelly Clarkson and James Blunt triumphed at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards which took place a few nights ago in New York.
    Blunt won for the video You’re Beautiful while Clarkson won for the video Because of You. Best Group Video went The All-American Rejects’ Move Along.

    Jay-Z welcomed the VMAs back to New York City. The night opened with Justin Timberlake’s performing SexyBack. The show’s host Jack Black, dressed as the bad Moonman and Elvis, followed with a comical rock performance featuring Tenacious D band mate Kyle Glass.

    For the first time viewers were able to vote on all general
    awards categories. Panic! at the Disco nabbed Best Video of the Year for I Write Sins Not Tragedies. Avenged Sevenfold won Best New Artist Video for their music video Bat Country. Beyonce took home a Moon Man for Best R&B Video for her music video Check on It.

    While the VMAs aired live on MTV, MTV.com streamed VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored. This was a simultaneous view of the action behind the scenes and backstage that viewers have never gotten to see. Fans followed talent such as Ludacris, OK Go, and T.I. as they traveled from dressing rooms to the stage for their performances. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile offered updates and recaps
    of the VMAs across all wireless carriers. The VMAs were also celebrated across all of MTV’s platforms including MTV2, mtvU, MHD, MTV World, and Urge.

    Stand up artiste Sarah Silverman took good natured jabs at everyone from Lance Bass to socialite Paris Hilton. Silverman had the audience laughing while she left celebrities guessing who was going to be her next target of sarcasm.

    In a self-deprecating taped moment, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline earned some laughs when they announced the winner for Best R&B Video. The tone turned more serious when Queen Latifah introduced former US Vice President Al Gore to the stage. In the spirit of An Inconvenient Truth Gore brought a message of urgent importance concerning the world community to the VMA audience.

    He projected the plight of the environment onto the actual walls of the theater. To highlight that caring about the environment is the new norm, MTV unveiled new Break the Addiction PSAs during the MTV Video Music Awards. The spots’ approach is that if you’re not actively combating global warming every day, you’re behind the times.

  • Television actor Anuj Saxena on his way to the International Emmy Awards

    Television actor Anuj Saxena on his way to the International Emmy Awards

    MUMBAI: TV actor and producer Anuj Saxena has reasons to smile. He along with filmmaker and producer Subhash Ghai, will be the juror for the 34th International Emmy Awards.

    As a juror Anuj will be judging the category of Best Performance by an Actor for the final round of judging. He will be judging 8 entries for this category.

    This is the first time that Anuj will be a juror for the Emmy Awards. Elated by the news, he said, “It’s an honour to be a part of Emmys. I mean there cannot be anything bigger than this as far as international television goes. I mean if you compare the worldover there would be so many deserving candidates. Also on a personal level it will also be a learning experience to watch shows from across the world.”

    “I hope to definitely benefit from being as a juror for the Emmies, both as an actor and as a producer. Afterall, the attempt is to match our programming worldclass,” added Anuj.

    Subhash Ghai is judging the Television Movie/Mini Series category for the finale. This is the second consecutive year that the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has invited Subhash Ghai to be the juror for the Emmys.

    The jury panel consists of television, producers, directors, performers, and executives from around the world to honour the best in international television production. The International Emmy Award is known worldwide for honoring excellence in programming produced outside the United States.

    The award function, popularly called as, the 34th International Emmy Awards gala will be held this year on 20 November in New York City.

  • SPE Networks Asia walks away with 5 awards at PROMAX/BDA 2006

    HONG KONG, 30 June, 2006: The SPE Networks Asia creative team continued to make inroads into the world of TV on-air promotions and marketing with another fine showing at PROMAX/BDA. Held in New York, USA from 20 – 22 June this year, the team bagged a total of 5 medals after wowing the judges with eye catching works. PROMAX/BDA Awards recognises the top marketing and promotional campaigns in the media industry from around the world.

    “We are extremely proud with our win at this year’s PROMAX/BDA. The Gold award was especially sweet for us as this was our first entry in the category that we were competing in. Our win in the various categories is clear testimony that we are truly a 360° integrated marketing force. Even though we were up against some seasoned broadcasters from around the world, our team went in brimming with confidence to create the buzz in the media industry with their creative works.” Says Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks Asia Pte. Ltd.

    SPE Networks – Asia clinched 5 Awards for the following categories:
    Gold Award
    Best Outdoor Static Display     – Lost
    The outdoor static display for Lost was created as a tongue-in-cheek billboard message telling frustrated drivers to “Get Lost” while they were stuck behind massive jams in Makati, Philippines.

    Silver Award
    Best Art Direction and Design: Topical Promo – The Shield Tarot Cards
    The creative use of Tarot cards was used to recap and foretell the developments of The Shield. The highlight of this promo is how the cards are animated to show the relationship between the characters.

    Bronze Award
    Best 3-D Promotional or Sales Kit     – CSI: NY
    Working on a small budget, the 3-D sales kit for CSI: NY called for something totally out of the box. Using an apple as reference to New York, the direct mailer invites the viewer to take a bite of the apple, thus creating interaction with them.
    Best Online Advertising Banner – CSI: V
    The online advertising banner for CSI: V effectively captures the spirit and horror of the finale by providing the user a similar experience to what the characters in the show go through when they view their colleague through a computer screen.

    Best Other Design Application Displays – CSI: NY
    The CSI: NY display called for the clever use of distinctive yellow coloured crime scene tape and props in the heart of town to announce the premiere of CSI: NY.

    Ricky Ow added that “Winning at PROMAX/BDA is the equivalent of winning an Emmy for TV or Oscar for movies. SPE Networks- Asia commends the hard work of the young team who are driven with passion to create an impact among the viewers and not settle for anything less than ordinary as the winning formula for success. The creative team comprising of Tracy Wong, Ying Hui, Eugene Wong and Angeline Teo have executed impressive and original creative works in a cost effective manner that is setting the benchmark for on-air and off-air promotion in the cable and television industry.”

    PROMAX/BDA is the professional association for promotions and marketing executives in electronic media throughout the world. Members of the association include all the major terrestrial, cable and satellite television stations and associated media, advertising and production companies.

    Held annually, PROMAX/BDA brings together the best of marketing, promotions, and creative excellence in the media industry. They showcase and recognise creativity and share innovative, groundbreaking and inspirational ideas. Above all, they promote best practice in the expanding world of marketing and promotion in the electronic media.
     
  • IIFA Weekend 2006 kicks off in City of Surprises

    IIFA Weekend 2006 kicks off in City of Surprises

    Dubai, June 15th, 2006: The seventh International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend in Dubai kicked off in inimitable style today, heralding a star-studded four day spectacular that promises to dazzle the UAE with its glamorous fashion, spectacular IDEA IIFA Awards presentation ceremony and popular cinema unfolding at multiple venues around Dubai.

     

    The IIFA Weekend, presented by Tiara Residence, the AED 2.1 billion luxury lifestyle development from Zabeel Investments, and Dubai Summer Surprises, was officially opened at the Grand Hyatt this morning at a press conference featuring Indian superstar and IIFA Brand Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, Star TV Vice-president, Kevin Vaz, Zabeel Investments CEO Mohammed Al Hashimi, Idea Cellular Vice-president Pradeep Shrivastava and DSS CEO Saeed Al Nabouda.

     

    The IIFA Weekend 2006 is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of the DSS/DSF Supreme Committees.

     

    The IIFA Weekend presented by Tiara Residence will conclude on Friday, June 16, with the Idea IIFA Awards ceremony at the spectacular Central Hall at the Dubai Airport Expo. Hosted by A-listers Fardeen Khan, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif, the ceremony will include electrifying performances from leading stars of Indian cinema including Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Dia Mirza, Himesh Reshamiya and Upen Patel.

    Mohammed Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman of Zabeel Investments, said: “The launch of the Tiara Residence Weekend and Idea IIFA Awards 2006 is a momentous occasion for this city and its people. Dubai is the first city in the Middle East to host this prestigious event, which has a huge following in this part of the world and we are all looking forward to the various activities associated with it.”

    “In many ways, the IIFA Weekend and Idea IIFA Awards share the goals and dreams of Zabeel Investments,” he added. “We believe in tomorrow and that the youth hold the answers to a better future – all they require is support, encouragement and the opportunity to realize their dreams.”

    Idea Cellular will also begin a new three-year association with IIFA this year. At the press conference, Idea Vice President Pradeep Shrivastava , “IDEA IIFA offers us the best platform to demonstrate the true essence of mobile and entertainment convergence. With Idea IIFA there is an unmatched value we provide to our customers by providing them the three aspects of entertainment that engage them through the all-powerful mobile phone. With IDEA IIFA, our privileged customer and business partners will have access to specially created merchandise, contests, video and MMS downloads and several other value added services. Only Idea can take you there.”

    The IIFA Weekend began on 14 June with the IIFA World Premiere of Jagmohan Mundra’s film ‘Provoked,’ starring Aishwarya Rai, Naveen Andrews, Miranda Richardson and Nandita Das. The film’s cast and crew will receive a red carpet welcome at the Grand Cineplex in Dubai.

     

    Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises said, “We are greatly honoured to host an event of such grand stature as the IIFA Weekend which is dubbed as the Indian equivalent of the Oscars. It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the stars of the Indian film industry to this glittering event. The four-day extravaganza is slated to be a bigger and most exclusive event in true Dubai style.”

     

    Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Executive Director of Media, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, spoke about the importance of IIFA as a shared growth platform for Dubai and the Indian film industry. “Dubai Studio City has been created to foster the growth of the film, broadcast and music production industries in the region,” she said. “Our association with IIFA is part of a long-term strategy to establish alliances with events that connect the filmmaking fraternity in a celebration of cinema. This association enhances our links with the world’s largest film industry and creates forums for greater cultural interaction”.

     

    The Tiara Residence IIFA Weekend will witness a host of exciting events that will enthrall the people of Dubai. The celebrations at the weekend will commence with the IIFA World Premiere Film- Jagmohan Mundhra’s ‘Provoked’ starring Aishwarya Rai, Naveen Andrews, Miranda Richardson and Nandita Das. The cast and crew of ‘Provoked’ will receive a Red Carpet Welcome at the Grand Cineplex on the evening of June 14th, in Dubai.

    The second day of the IIFA Weekend will begin with the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and also includes the inauguration of the IIFA Film Festival.

     

    This three-day film festival, which opens with hit Tamil film ‘Chandramukhi,’ includes 31 critically and commercially successful examples of Indian cinema. The festival will also give media and cinema lovers an opportunity to interact with the cast and crew of many of these films.

     

    The IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza, presented by Rosyblue, will be the high point of the second day, with celebrated Indian designers Manish Malhotra and Vikram Phadnis outfitting cinema icons and celebrities with the best of Indian glamour and fashion. Director Karan Johar will also have a special conversation with his film star friends and reveal some of their most intimate secrets during the event.

     

    The black tie fashion extravaganza will help raise funds for the IIFA Foundation, which supports families of behind-the-scenes film workers who have been injured or worse during the making of a film.

     

    The IIFA Weekend and the Idea IIFA Awards will be broadcast on STAR Plus at 8 pm on Sunday, June 25, 2006.

     

    Kevin Vaz, Vice-President of Sales, STAR India, said, “We are very proud to be associated with the Idea IIFA Awards and the IIFA Weekend yet again. IIFA, which celebrates the emergence of Indian Cinema on a global platform, is partnering with STAR yet again. Following the success of IIFA last year, millions of viewers across India, UAE, Pakistan, USA, UK, South East Asia and several other nations who have chosen STAR Plus to be their preferred choice of Indian entertainment are looking forward to the IIFA Weekend in Dubai. We are working together to make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Indian Cinema and all our viewers.”

     

    Wiz Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft, said “The IIFA Weekend in Dubai will instill yet another milestone in our endeavors to take Indian Cinema to the Global platform. With the Idea IIFA Awards 2006, we will continue to provide the impetus for the crossover of Indian cinema to global audiences and delight the Indian diaspora with the grandest celebration of Indian cinema.”

     

    Launched seven years ago at the Millennium Dome in London, the IIFA Awards ceremony has grown into a three-day extravaganza showcasing the best of Indian cinema and providing a platform for its interaction with global media.

     

    The Idea IIFA Awards 2006 is a salutation to the world’s largest film industry and has attracted the stalwarts of both Indian and International cinema, including Amitabh Bachchan, Mira Nair, Shekhar Kapur, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Minogue, Jackie Chan, Bo Derek and Miranda Richardson.

  • The 2006 34th American Music Awards on Star World

    The 2006 34th American Music Awards on Star World

    Mumbai, November 21, 2006: One of the biggest music events of the year … A star-studded show featuring celebrity presenters, live performances and loads of other surprises .. The 2006 24th American Music Awards…Live and exclusive telecast on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6. 30 a.m. with a prime time repeat at 8 p.m. only on STAR WORLD. Twenty awards will be given out representing the best of Pop/Rock, Country, Soul/Rhythm & Blues, Rap/Hip Hop, Latin, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational music.

    Mariah Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback lead the nominations with three nods each. Carey, a nine-time American Music Award winner, has been nominated for Favorite Female Artist in both the Pop/Rock and Soul/Rhythm & Blues categories, as well as Favorite Album in the Soul/Rhythm & Blues category for The Emancipation of Mimi. The Red Hot Chili Peppers received Pop/Rock nominations for Favorite Band, Duo or Group and Favorite Album for Stadium Arcadium, along with a nod for Favorite Artist in the Alternative Music Category.

    Hip/Hop Funk sensation The Black Eyed Peas are up for Favorite Band, Duo or Group and Favorite Album for Monkey Business in the Rap/Hip Hop category, along with a nomination in the Soul/Rhythm & Blues category for Favorite Band, Duo or Group. Nickelback’s hit album All the Right Reasons helped earn them three American Music Award nominations. The group is up for Favorite Album and Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop/Rock category and will compete against the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam for Favorite Artist in the Alternative Music category.

    The 2006 American Music Awards is hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and will emanate from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. The special is produced by Dick Clark Productions, Inc. Performers announced for the special thus far are Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Mary J. Blige, Nelly Furtado, Pussycat Dolls, Rascal Flatts, Snow Patrol and Tenacious D.

     

    Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Pussycat Dolls, Rascal Flatts, T.I., Carrie Underwood and Kanye West each received two nominations. 2006 break-out artists Chamillionaire, Pussycat Dolls and Carrie Underwood are nominated for Favorite New Breakthrough Artist, which encompasses all genres of music.

     

    So, make sure you tune-in to the Live and exclusive telecast of ‘The 2006 24th American Music Awards’ on Wednesday, November 22nd at 6. 30 a.m. with a prime time repeat at 8 p.m. only on STAR WORLD.

     

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts 60 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel).

     

    STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

     

  • Mid Day has been short-listed as a finalist in 71 annual INMA Newspaper Marketing Awards competition

    Mid Day has been short-listed as a finalist in 71 annual INMA Newspaper Marketing Awards competition

    Mumbai, India, February 22, 2006

     

     

    Mid Day is the only Indian newspaper to be short-listed as a finalist in the 71st Annual INMA Newspaper Marketing Awards Competition. It has been shortlisted in the following two categories. Mid Day is short-listed in the Printed Materials: Advertising category for the Sunday Mid Day 25th Anniversary Sales Brochure & in the Newspaper Premiums/Incentives category for Mid Day Diary.

     

    INMA annually recognises excellence in newspaper marketing with the INMA Newspaper Marketing Awards Competition. Now in its 71st year, the competition provides a showcase for the best efforts of professionals in all disciplines of newspaper marketing.

     

    Details

     

    20 categories in the Newspaper Medium in the following circulation categories
    Under 75,000
    75,000-300,000
    Over 300,000
    1045 entries from 164 newspapers in 29 countries entered the 2006 newspaper marketing awards competition.
    131 entries short-listed as finalists in which 2 entries are from Mid Day.
    Winners to be announced on April 6-7 at the INMA World Congress in Chicago, USA.

     

     

    For further information please contact:

    Gulrayz Punjabi – 24197169

  • More than 450 million viewers to watch Idea IIFA Awards across the world only on STAR Plus

    More than 450 million viewers to watch Idea IIFA Awards across the world only on STAR Plus

    Mumbai, June 24, 2006: Dubai- with its picturesque sand dunes, stunning malls and warm people- witnessed a four-day frenzy…a literal carnival of the Indian Film Industry. Every nook and corner of this fast paced city was transformed with the colours and flavours of Indian Cinema in all its splendour. The city was abuzz with the biggest stars of Indian cinema descending upon Dubai for the much-awaited Idea IIFA Weekend. So much so that wherever the IIFA contingent went, the people of Dubai welcomed them with open arms and warm hearts.

    STAR Plus will bring you Weekend with the stars on Friday, June 23rd at 8 pm, The Red Carpet on June 24th at 8 pm and the magnificent Idea IIFA Awards ceremony on June 25th at 8 pm

    The Idea IIFA Awards Weekend in Dubai was a once in a lifetime experience for both the city of Dubai and the Indian film industry. More than fifty of India’s best film personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bchchan, Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Diya Mirza, Directors like Karan Johar, Pradeep Sarkar, noted lyricist Javed Akhtar, Singers Himesh Reshamiya, Alisha Chinai, musicians Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy were all part of the IIFA contingent traveling to Dubai for the weekend. Throngs of fans couldn’t get enough of their favourite stars as they stood stand outside the Grand Hyatt hosting the IIFA Contingent for hours on end, sometimes till wee hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of their favourite superstar. Indian film stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai were greeted with hi-decibel shreaks from the time they stepped out of their cars and every place they visited while in Dubai.

    The action packed weekend was replete with a host of exhilarating events like the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum, the IIFA Film Festival, the star studded IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza and the IIFA World premiere of Provoked.

    Day One of the Weekend began with IIFA Brand Ambassador and superstar of the millennium Amitabh Bachchan, attending a press conference to inaugurate the IIFA Weekend in Dubai. The same afternoon, at a special ceremony he released the IIFA book- ‘Lights Camera Masala!’ written by Naman Ramachandran and Sheena Sippy. This unique interactive book gives a glimpse of the behind the scenes action of Indian films.

     

    The same evening saw the Red Carpet to the IIFA World Premiere of ‘Provoked’. Star from the film Aishwarya Rai, director Jagmohan Mundhra and the other cast and crew received a warm welcome by the Dubai International Film Festival committee. The film received a lot of critical acclaim and also sent out a strong message against domestic violence to a global audience.

     

    The second day of the weekend saw the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum witnessing a gathering of esteemed Indian and International business tycoons from the world of cinema, entertainment, telecommunication, aviation, gems & jewelry and tourism. The business forum was a place for ideation and new trade and commerce ties between India and Dubai. The evening of the 15th saw the IIFA Foundation Fashion Extravaganza at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. The black tie evening presented by Rosyblue Diamonds was held to raise funds to provide relief to bereaved families of behind the scenes crewmembers who have suffered misfortune during the course of shooting. And the people of Dubai filled up the tables to support this noble cause.

     

    The IIFA Film Festival also began at the Grand Cineplex on day two. 36 of India’s best films were showcased for the people of Dubai. This year there were a number of South Indian films at the festival, including the opening film of the Festival Chandramukhi. The festival was inaugurated by none other that Mr. Amitabh Bachchan himself with South Indian superstars Mamooty, Mohan Lal and Vikram.

    The Stars of Indian Cinema also saw the very best of the city of Dubai and the city played host to the superstars giving them some memorable moments during the IIFA Weekend. Superstar couple Maria Goretti and Arshad Warsi visited the Snow Park at the Mall of Emitares in Dubai. This artificially created park of snowy white ski slops and snowflakes was a special treat for their baby Zeek. In another part of town, upcoming actor Upen Patel went on a Dhow ride over the Dubai Creek. Here he was greeted by one of his special fans who spent the afternoon with the 36 Chinatown star. Upen was especially touched that he was being shown around Dubai by his fan.

    And Dubai isn’t complete without a shopping trip. The very beautiful Lara Dutta went on a special shopping trip for STAR Plus. She went along with the crew to WAFI City mall to shop for make up at the MAC store and could not keep her hands off the wonderful state of the art home theatre system. MAC also did a makeover with Konkona Sen. Konkona decided that she could look at changing her style for a bit in Dubai. With fantastic world class make up artists from MAC working their magic, Konkona looked like a stunning star.

     

    Some stars were there just to relax and take in easy at the IIFA Weekend. The Grand Hyatt saw to it that the stars were pampered to the core during their stay in Dubai. Shilpa Shetty went for a relaxing manicure and pedicure at the Grand Spa. The Grand Spa made sure she was well looked after and spoilt before the her big moment on the Red Carpet for the Idea IIFA Awards. Actor Suniel Shetty stirred a storm at the Market Café, as he donned a Chef’s cap and cooked an omlette for breakfast.

     

    After an action packed Weekend with the Stars, the spectacular Idea IIFA Awards Dubai was held at the Central Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo, as the biggest stars of Indian cinema performed for an audience of over 7,000 fans from across the world. Nostalgia and superstardom created a heady combination as the charismatic Fardeen Khan and Lara Dutta compeered the spectacular awards ceremony, with Karan Johar and Anil Kapoor. The awards ceremony witnessed dazzling performances by the likes of Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Preity Zinta. But the most spectacular performances were by Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji based on their film Black and the finale by Hrithik Roshan on is new film Krrish.

     

    The Idea IIFA Awards marked IIFA’s association with the beautiful city of Dubai and its exquisite people. Joining IIFA in making the Awards a stupendous success was the Dubai Supper Surprises, Tiara Residence the presenters of the IIFA Weekend and of course the warm people of Dubai.

     

    The Idea IIFA Awards Dubai, was a salutation to the world’s largest film industry. The event this year will be watched in an exclusive telecast around the world by more than 450 million people only on STAR Plus. STAR Plus will bring you Weekend with the stars on Friday, June 23rd at 8 pm, The Red Carpet on June 24th at 8 pm and the magnificent Idea IIFA Awards ceremony on June 25th at 8 pm. The multimedia spread of the IIFA Weekend in Dubai brought to you homes only on STAR Plus will be a truly memorable experience for global fans of Indian Cinema across the Globe.

     

  • Aishwarya, Nandita starrer ‘Provoked’ to premiere at the Idea-IIFA Awards Weekend in Dubai

    As we begin the countdown to the Idea IIFA Awards in Dubai, the International Indian Film Academy today announced Jagmohan Mundhra’s Provoked as the film that will be premiered at the IIFA World Premiere in Dubai on 14 June 2006.

    Set in London, Provoked is the traumatic story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Aishwarya Rai), a battered Punjabi housewife and mother of two children. Unable to bear the brutality of her alcoholic husband (Naveen Andrews), she takes revenge by setting him on fire. Charged with first-degree murder, Kiranjit is sentenced to life imprisonment. While in prison she befriends her cellmate, a wealthy white woman, Veronica Scott (Miranda Richardson).

    Provoked will receive a red carpet welcome as it premieres at the Grand Cineplex Theatre during the IIFA Weekend presented by Tiara Residence in Dubai. The IIFA World Premiere is being showcased in association with the Dubai International Film Festival.

    Over the past few years, the IIFA World Premiere platform has showcased the Oscar-nominated Lagaan, Aankhen, Yuva and Parineeta….all of which have been critically and commercially acclaimed world over.

    Speaking on Idea’s association with IIFA, stated, Idea Cellular, Vice President- Marketing Pradeep Shrivastava, “Idea IIFA awards offers us the best platform to demonstrate the true essence of mobile and entertainment convergence. With Idea IIFA Awards there is an unmatched value we provide to our customers by providing them the three aspects of entertainment that engage them through the all powerful mobile-phone. With Idea IIFA awards, our privileged customers will have access to specially created merchandise, contests, video and MMS downloads and several other value added services. Only Idea can take you there.”

    Also present at the conference Saeed Al Nabouda, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises said, “Dubai is a well-loved destination for our Indian friends who consider it a home away from home. The hosting of an event of such massive caliber as the IIFA is a giant stride ahead in further cementing the age-old ties between India and the UAE. It is a celebration of the cultural and social harmony between the two countries.”

    The Idea IIFA Awards presentation ceremony being held at the magnificent Dubai Airport Expo, one of the crowning glory of the IIFA Weekend presented by Tiara Residence will be held in the presence of a global audience including dignitaries from the world of cinema like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Yash Chopra, A.R. Rehman, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Ashok Amritraj to name a few. Other guests would include stalwarts from the world of business, politics and sports. Over 10,000 people will witness a spectacular show by the best of the Indian Film Industry. The IIFA Weekend and all IIFA events are conceptualized, produced and directed by Wizcraft International Entertainment, one of the world’s leading entertainment agencies. The breath-taking performances created by Wizcraft will be choreographed by Shiamak Davar. As always, this year too the Idea IIFA Awards will be celebrating the best from Indian Cinema and will pay tribute to the stalwarts from the Indian silver screen.

    While Idea has committed itself to sponsorship of the Idea IIFA Awards for the first time, this year’s IIFA celebrations will be broadcast across the world by Star Plus on 25 June at 8 pm IST. Star Plus viewers can experience the IIFA journey over multiple programmes that cover the various events and interactions in Dubai and the IIFA Flashback over the past five years.

    Star India Vice President Marketing Ajay Vidyasagar said, “It is fitting that IIFA, which celebrates the emergence of Indian Cinema on a global platform, is partnering with Star yet again. Post the success of IIFA last year, millions of viewers across India, UAE, Pakistan, USA, UK and South East Asia who have chosen Star Plus to be their preferred choice of Indian entertainment, are looking forward to IIFA in Dubai. We are proud to associate with IIFA and will work together to make this year’s event a truly memorable celebration of Indian Cinema for all our viewers.”

    Now Indian Cinema fans across the globe can also be a part of the star studded celebrations of the Idea IIFA Awards, Dubai. To promote the Idea IIFA Awards, several contests are being promoted across the world and fans of Indian Cinema are being flown in to witness the spectacular Idea IIFA Awards and the IIFA Weekend in Dubai.

    In India msn.com is the official websites for voting of the popular awards. Global Indian Cinema fans can vote for and help their favourite film stars to win an IIFA award this year. Lucky winners will be able to travel to Dubai and witness the glamorous Idea IIFA Awards in June this year. The nominations for the Popular Awards are open for public voting, using the globally accessible www.msn.com/iifa only till the 6 June 2006. The voting process is monitored and audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who are also the audit firm for the Oscars.

  • Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards sweeps the highest viewer ship as the event gains the highest ratings

    Mumbai, Wed, Feb 1st , 2006 – STAR Plus the biggest , leading entertainment channel of the country; yet again proves and establishes its leadership, when 20.41 million people across the nation tuned-in to watch television’s biggest event of the year Hero Honda 12th Annual Star Screen Awards during the first fortnight of the year on January 15.

     

    By bringing together the biggest and the best of Bollywood stars on the biggest and the best television channel- STAR Plus, swept away the lions share from its competitors as the award show gained the television ratings of 9.6, a clear 27% growth from the last year show (Source: TAM Media Research). In 2005 STAR Plus established the channels’ domination in the television events category. The top-ten rated events of the small-screen were all on Star Plus in 2005. Now, the channels success with its highest ratings for the industry’s first and biggest award show of the New Year has just vindicated its claim, once again making the channel an undisputed leader in the category.

     

    STAR’s continuous innovation in programming and its consistent efforts to entertain its viewers differently, has ensured channels success and leadership in the year 2005 and now with the highest rated event of the year-2006 already in its pool the channel is well on its path to raise the bar for itself as it reaches and far exceeds its own standards.

    So stay tuned for more entertaining shows from STAR Plus, as the party has just begun!