UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News

BERLIN, April 26 (UPI) -- "The Edge of Heaven" has been named the top movie of 2007 at this year's 58th German Film Awards.

"Heaven" was the top winner at Friday's ceremony in Berlin, earning a best director Lola award for Fatih Akin and a best screenplay award in addition to top film honors, Variety reported Friday.

The Turkish-German movie, which also earned a best editing Lola, is about several strangers whose lives become intertwined by two deaths.

The night's other top winner was "Cherry Blossoms," which earned Elmar Wepper a best actor nod and a Silver Lola for 2007's second-best film.

Actress Nina Hoss won a best actress Lola for her role in the drama "Yella," while best supporting actress kudos went to Christine Schorn for her performance in "Frei nach Plan."

Variety said "Pool of Princesses" was named best documentary and actor Frederick Lau was presented with a Lola for best supporting actor for his role in "The Wave."

LOS ANGELES, April 26 (UPI) -- U.S. pop singer-actress Hilary Duff has been asked to join the cast of the upcoming "Beverly Hills, 90210" TV spin-off, a source said.

The source, who reportedly is closely related to the TV project, said the "Most Wanted" singer is being considered for the role of the daughter of the Beverly Hills High principal in the CW series, People.com reported Friday.

The 20-year-old previously appeared on TV series such as "Lizzie McGuire" and films such as "A Cinderella Story" and "Cheaper by the Dozen."

People.com said if Duff accepts the role, she would join actor Dustin Milligan and "Nip/Tuck" actress AnnaLynne McCord in the cast.

The original "90210" series ran from 1990 to 2000 and followed the lives of several Beverly Hills high school students struggling with various issues and romantic relationships.

INDIO, Calif., April 26 (UPI) -- Sean Penn is set to attempt to bring national attention to a number of his social causes through a bus tour across the country, the Hollywood star says.

The "Sweet and Lowdown" actor said his Dirty Hands Caravan, which includes several biodiesel buses, will travel from Indio, Calif., to New Orleans in an attempt to bring increased attention to issues like homelessness and poverty, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

"I see this as a reckoning," Penn said regarding his planned event. "My generation and those that came before have to recognize the numbing of incentive that we've passed on to the change hungry, imaginative, smarter than us youth of today."

"The Dirty Hands Caravan seeks to empower young people to stand up for what they believe in, with its longevity based on inspired individuality and pride," he added.

The Reporter said the "Dead Man Walking" star will speak on such issues next Sunday at California's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, before officially starting the caravan Monday.

NEW YORK, April 26 (UPI) -- A new film documentary about orphans in Malawi suffering from HIV/AIDS was directed by Madonna's gardener, the pop singer said.

The "Material Girl" star said during an appearance at New York's Tribeca Film Festival this week she hired Nathan Rissman to direct her "I Am Because We Are" documentary after he proved his worth as her gardener, People.com said Saturday.

"Nathan Rissman basically did everything for me," Madonna said. "He was my gardener. He was my carpenter. He rerouted the electricity in my house. He looked after the children. And he started making home movies of my children. And they were amazing."

The 49-year-old singer's documentary follows the tragic lives of several Malawi orphans dealing with crippling diseases, People.com said.

Rissman told the Web site he was honored to helm the film, which also follows Madonna's controversial adoption of Malawian David Banda.

"I have to pinch myself all the time," Rissman said of his involvement with the film.

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