Privacy or publicity?

Celebrities often use the media as a part of their strategy when promoting their image, but some celebrities can despise the invasion of privacy.

Actor, Jude Law, recently settled a landmark case against Hello! magazine for a breach of privacy action. The decision resulted in the British publication paying Law approximately $15,000 U.S. dollars in damages along with legal fees. Legal action was pursued against Hello! when the publication printed photos of Law with his children while on vacation in the Caribbean.

The magazine has now agreed not to publish any pictures of Law and his children until the children are 18 years of age. They have also agreed not to print photos taken of Law in places "in which he has a reasonable expectation of privacy."

Fellow actors and other celebrities could potentially follow the example of Law and demand their privacy by filing similar legal suits. If they do, the face of celebrity promotion may change. The media will have stricter restrictions on what they are allowed to print and in turn, will not be relied on as heavily to promote the image of a celebrity and their work. If other celebrities do not follow by Law's example, his career may be in jeopardy.

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The recent win of the privacy case for Law may result in publications being weary of printing photos of the actor due to fear of lawsuits that may follow. The lack of images of Law in the press may cause the public to lose interest in him and create a demand for an actor that is more visible to the public.

Jennifer Hudson teams up with Weight Watchers

With Easter, comes chocolate eggs and after all that chocolate we think about dieting. Weight Watchers is one of those many programs we may think to consider after over indulging on too much chocolate during Easter.

Academy Award winning actress, Jennifer Hudson, signed on to be the celebrity spokesperson for Weight Watchers on Thursday. "With Weight Watchers, I am enjoying the weight loss because I'm doing it the right way-I feel empowered with what I've learned, everything from portion control to what foods will keep me satisfied" said Hudson.

Hudson is not joining because of too many Easter eggs, she credits the move to Weight Watchers due to the recent birth of her son.

The advertisements will begin this Sunday. Hudson will not only claim a great deal of publicity for Weight Watchers, but for herself to. Since being announced as the next celebrity spokesperson for the diet company, the actress has been interviewed about her new role, been publicized for a recent visit to a Weight Watcher group in Chicago and will be featured in advertisements for the company.

Not only will Hudson's role as the face of Weight Watchers change her health, but it will also heighten her visibility and level of fame.

James Franco becomes published writer

Actor, James Franco can now add published author to his title. Franco, who is currently pursuing a master's degree in creative writing from Colombia University, has recently had his first short story published in Esquire magazine. The story, "Just Before the Black," is about a young man that has suicidal thoughts.

The cover of the Esquire magazine that includes Franco's story, also features Tina Fey on the cover. Both Fey and Franco are in the movie, "Date Night," which will be released on April 9, 2010. It is no coincidence that Franco's story has been published in a magazine that features his co-star on the cover and during a time that "Date Night" is being promoted. Franco is using his acting career as a vehicle to launch his writing career.

It is yet to be seen if Franco will concentrate his talents on acting or writing. Franco's writing will promote his literary skill and if his writing receives critical acclaim he may land more serious acting roles, or be offered the chance of write scripts for movies.

Franco will release his first collection of short stories in October. The collection of stories will be named "Palo Alto."

Tiger returns to golf at the Masters

Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that he would be making his return to golf at the Masters Tournament this April. "After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta" said Woods. The decision marks another step in Woods' desire to clean up his image and return to becoming a top player in golf after a string of extra-marital affairs that caused him to leave the game.

Many experts believe that Woods' move to play his first game at the Masters is strategic. The tournament enforces a strict policy on spectators against heckling and excessive noise. Any spectators who demonstrate this type of behavior may be expelled from the area. This will allow Woods to play the game without the projected heckling that was expected from the crowd on his entry back onto the golf scene.

Another positive outcome for Woods at Augusta is that only golf related media will be allowed at the event. This will allow Woods to answer golf related questions and avoid intimate questions regarding the state of his marriage and extra-marital affairs that may have been raised from tabloid magazine media.

While many pick Woods as the number one favorite to take home the green jacket, others wonder if he will make the cut considering he has been away from the game of golf for five months. "Woods will be rusty, and the Masters is not a place to try to fine tune your game," said Tim Dahlberg, sports columnist.

Woods' return at the Masters will have many tuning in to watch the game. On top of loyal viewers, many others will check in to see how Woods is performing under the immense pressure.

With Woods returning at the Masters, an advertising spot has been raised from $350,000 to $500,000. Sponsors who have left Woods may now be scratching their heads wondering whether leaving the golfing pro was the best move for their business. At the event Woods will be covered in Nike apparel, one of the few sponsors that stood by him. If he wins the tournament, Nike will receive company exposure to the value of $36 million.

Sandra Bullock takes home the Academy Award for Best Actress

Last night at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards Sandra Bullock took home the Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of a Tennessee mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy, who cared for a boy from the streets, and guided him toward a high-level football career in "The Blind Side."

Bullock was the favorite to win the Best Actress Academy Award. She arrived at the Oscars wearing a beautiful metallic Marchesa gown which has now placed her on Best Dressed across the country and the world.

Bullock recently won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama for "The Blind Side" and was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy for "The Proposal."

For years, movie goers have enjoyed Bullock in such movies as Speed, Miss Congeniality and Practical Magic. Now, with an Academy Award under her belt, Bullock has showed Hollywood and her peers that she can do more than romantic comedies and thrillers. Bullock has transformed herself from America's sweetheart, to an Academy Award winning, box-office draw.

Bullock's style, humor, and class convey all the reasons why she is a fan favorite. With the acceptance of her Best Actress Academy Award for "The Blind Side" her star will only continue to rise higher, and we look forward to what she will deliver to fans.