Say what you will about celebrities’ place in politics, but as America goes to the polls, there's no denying that Hollywood’s civic-minded have made an impact on election interest.
From Paris Hilton’s McCain ad to spot-on impressions of the candidates on “Saturday Night Live,” Hollywood’s A-listers have been more outspoken — with words and wallets — than ever before.
Darrell Hammond, who handles John McCain duty on “Saturday Night Live,” says that he doesn’t think the satire you see on the show has an impact in voting. “I don’t think that once someone goes into the voting booth and pulls the curtain they’re thinking about any one of us (on “SNL”), they’re thinking about the real candidates and their issues,” Hammond says.
Hayden Panettiere, however, has come out saying that in terms of the youth vote, celebrities have made a difference. "One of the major reasons why, especially young people, have come out and done so much to play a part in this election ... is because of the celebrity endorsements, because of how popular this election has become, and how much in the news, and how much it's taken over, you know, our society,” Panettiere told press.
And in the spirit of Election Day, I offer you a slightly truncated Scoop. Why? Because if ever there was a celebrity message worthy of passing along in this column, it’s this one: Go out, get to the polls, and make the people who fought for your right to pull a lever, tap a touch screen or punch a hole proud. You’ll be rewarded with your regular dose of Scoop on Nov. 4.
Until then, a few items to print out and use to pass the time as you stand in line to vote:
Kate Winslet talks about reuniting with Leo DiCaprio For the first time since “Titanic,” Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio share the big screen in upcoming film “Revolutionary Road.”
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Celebrity Sightings
Winslet talks about the experience to Vanity Fair, and says she always expected she and DiCaprio would meet again on film.
"Leo and I were always aware that if we were going to do something together again that there would be a sense of expectation," Winslet said. "It was going to have to be the right thing."
As for what it was like to be co-stars again, Winslet told the magazine, "There's an emotional shorthand that Leo and I have and a physical ease because we've known each other so long.... Leo and I, you know, are sort of kindred spirits — we're cut from the same cloth."
Score one for The One
The jury sided with you, oh, readers of Scoop. When asked whether a paparazzi photographer injured trying to get a photo would have grounds for a lawsuit, 87% of you said no. On Nov. 3, after less than three hours’ deliberation, jurors unanimously rejected a civil lawsuit against actor Keanu Reeves, ruling he was not responsible for photographer Alison Silva’s alleged injuries. Silva had asked the jury to award him $711,974, which included medical bills, lost wages and punitive damages.
Celebrity Sightings Perez Hilton, a Dos Equis in one hand and a plastic sword in the other as he fended off a group of over-anxious partygoers at the Oct. 31 opening of Solstice Sunglass Boutique in the Meatpacking District. ... Diddy, as promised, dressed as a pope (with altar boys) at Danny A. and Noah Tepperberg’s Halloween bash at Lucky Strike Lanes. Shannen Doherty spent Halloween at Tenjune. ... Naomi Watts, Seth Meyers, Alan Cumming and Julianne Moore all attended the launch for BlackBerry Bold Oct. 28. The same night, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Rafi Gavron of "Entrouage" and "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" were spotted with Coca-Cola's new aluminum bottle at the James Jeans Eco Event. ... Mel B. spent Halloween dressed as a kitten hopping on stage at Mur.Mur at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City to perform “American Boys” with Estelle. ... In L.A., Lauren Conrad was spotted partaking in the Effen vodka cocktails at the Pur Jeans party at STK. ... Brandon Routh shopped at French Connection in Santa Monica.
Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on msnbc.com.