Here’s why we need a shot of espresso in our coffee this morning:
- 12 Years a Slave continued its noteworthy award season this weekend at the Costume Designer’s Guild Awards Saturday night in Beverly Hills. Patricia Norris, the Oscar-nominated designer for the film staged in the mid-1800’s, won an award for excellence in a period film. [HollywoodReporter]
- Jason Collins has become the first openly gay NBA player after signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Collins came out last April in an article he penned for Sports Illustrated. The 35-year-old center seemed to be a great fit for the Nets roster. Nets general manager Billy King says, “The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision. We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract.” Collins’s contract also marks the first openly gay athlete to play in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues. [RollingStone]
- Miguel has plead no contest to DUI in court on Friday. The “Adorn” singer was pulled over in August for tinted windows and was tested with a blood alcohol level of .11. Miguel admitted, “Driving with alcohol in my system was reckless. I’m really sorry and I’m taking responsibility for my mistake.” The judge, Lynn Hobbs, sentenced the singer to 3 years probation, fined him $360 dollars and ordered him to complete an alcohol awareness class. [PerezHilton]
- In a new ad for MasterCard, Pharrell surprised a die-hard fan by joining her in a dance to his hit single “Happy.” Pharrell said, “I’m happy to do it because it’s priceless when you can see the joy in the eyes of the person that’s being surprised.” The UK woman, Queen, was leading a play group as she and a group of children danced around to the star’s latest hit. Check out her reaction when Pharrell walks into the room. [Vibe]