Martin, Baldwin to co-host Oscars

Los Angeles — Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will co-host the Oscars.

The two Hollywood veterans will share hosting duties at the 82nd Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday.

Telecast producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman said in a statement the two actors are “the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars.”

This is the first time “in the modern television era” that the awards show has had two co-hosts, academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger said.

Martin has hosted twice before, in 2001 and 2003, and has appeared as a presenter several times. Baldwin is a first-timer.

Besides the dual-host approach, the 2010 Oscars have already undergone a major makeover.

The academy moved its honorary Oscars, often a long-winded affair that bogged down the ceremony, to a separate event in November.

And in the biggest change in decades, the academy doubled the number of best-picture nominees from five to 10. Academy overseers hope that might open the top category to a wider range of films, including commercial movies that could attract more TV viewers.

The 82nd Academy Awards will be presented March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre.

Mario Lopez to host Miss America pageant

Los Angeles — Here comes Mario Lopez as the Miss America pageant host.

TLC and the Miss America Organization said Wednesday that the 36-year-old “Extra” host and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant will again serve as master of ceremonies for the live Jan. 30 ceremony at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Lopez previously hosted the Miss America pageant in 2007 and 2009.

Next year’s pageant will feature 53 contestants, including Miss District of Columbia, Miss Virgin Islands and Miss Puerto Rico, who returns after a 50-year absence from the event.

As always, the women will compete in interview, swimsuit, evening gown and talent competitions for the title of Miss America.

Katie Stam of Indiana is the current Miss America.

Rihanna: Assault, aftermath ‘humiliating’

Los Angeles — Rihanna says dealing with the media attention after being assaulted in February by ex-boyfriend Chris Brown was humiliating. But she now hopes to speak for young women who are afraid to talk openly about domestic violence.

The 21-year-old pop star told Glamour magazine in an interview posted online Tuesday that the police photo of her bruised face that was leaked to reporters added insult to injury.

After the assault, she awoke to find helicopters circling her house and reporters swarming her street.

“I felt like I went to sleep as Rihanna and woke up as Britney Spears,” she said.

Rihanna said she felt disappointed and taken advantage of, especially when she heard that the two officers under investigation for leaking her photo were women.

“I felt like people were making it into a fun topic on the Internet, and it’s my life,” she said.

Rihanna said she didn’t realize how much her decisions affected people she didn’t know, like her many fans. She feels stronger, wiser and more aware now, she added.

“Domestic violence is a big secret,” Rihanna said. “The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn’t heard. Now I can help speak for those women.”

Chris Brown unsure about his image

New York — Chris Brown says he is unsure about how the public perceives him since he attacked Rihanna.

Brown beat up his ex-girlfriend in February and is on probation for the assault.

In an interview with MTV News, the 20-year-old says he’s “confused” about his public image. He says that he thinks his fans “love me and support me.” But he acknowledges there are people “that don’t want to see me do anything … they wanna see me kind of, basically in jail.”

He also says he’s trying to get past the scandal and learn from his mistakes.

“Chris Brown: The Interview,” premieres on Friday — the same day Rihanna’s interview airs on “20/20.”

The entertainer will release his third album, “Graffiti,” on Dec. 8.

Pitt looking for new motorbike after crash

Tokyo — Brad Pitt says he is in the market for a new motorcycle.

The actor, in Tokyo to promote his latest movie, “Inglourious Basterds,” said he trashed his favorite bike recently while trying to escape overzealous photographers.

“I had a little mishap,” he said. “No injuries, except my ego. I was trying to get away from some paparazzi and instead gave them a good story. It was my favorite bike, so that is really sad.”

Pitt, a well-known motorcycle buff, was involved in a minor accident in Los Angeles last month after a paparazzo reportedly cut him off in traffic. He said that while he is in Tokyo he will be looking for a replacement.

“I will definitely be looking at motorcycles,” he said. “You’ve got some of the best builders right here.”