George Clooney The Star Name In Oscars 2012 Betting

It’s awards season in Hollywood and the daddy of them all, the Oscars, are now fast approaching at the end of February and there are a number of fascinating betting markets for punters to sink their teeth into. The Academy Awards are of course a global event as the best films and actors are given their moment in the limelight and looking across the nominees there is no doubt that George Clooney could well be the big success story this year. Clooney put in a remarkable performance in The Descendants and he is a short as 2/5 with Paddy Power to claim the Gest Actor award for the first time.

While Clooney looks set to be the big name when it comes to the actors on show there is no doubt that the big film at the Oscars this year is likely to be The Artist which has taken the box office by storm over the past couple of months. The silent film from France is being hailed as a masterpiece by many critics and Paddy Power rate it as short as 1/6 to claim The Best Picture award with the Academy Award looking as good as in the bag.

The artist is likely to pick up another Academy Award with Michel Hazanavicius set to win the Best Director gong, his work has been widely praised which is reflected in his short price of 1/6 with Paddy Power to claim the award. The Artist really has come out of nowhere over the past few months and it looks set to dominate the Academy Awards this year according to the bookies while George Clooney is also set to earn some well deserved recognition for his brilliant role in The Descendants.

Oscars Betting 2012 with Paddy Power

Best Picture

• 1/6 – The Artist
• 11/2 – The Descendants
• 14/1 – Hugo
• 20/1 – The Help
• 25/1 – War Horse
• 50/1 – Moneyball
• 50/1 – Midnight In Paris
• 50/1 – Extremely and Incredibly Close
• 66/1 – The Tree Of Life

Best Actor

• 2/5 -George Clooney – The Descendants
• 7/2 – Jean Dujardin – The Artist
• 20/1 – Brad Pitt – Moneyball
• 20/1 – Gary Oldman – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• 25/1 – Demian Bichir – A Better Life

All markets supplied by Paddy Power.com

Billie Piper The Favourite To Play Amy Winehouse In Film Betting

The music world has been in mourning since the passing of Amy Winehouse recently but already attention is now turning to a potential film about the troubled singer’s life and there are a number of actors linked with the lead role. Any film is of course at a very early stage but Paddy Power have been quick to open up a market with a top list of names currently being backed, the favourite at this stage is Billie Piper who has been making her way as an Actress for some time now.

Billie Piper was of course better known for her pop career as a teenager but has become more famous for her acting work in recent times with spells in Doctor Who and Secret Diary Of A Call Girl her most high profile roles. Piper may well fit the bill having been in the public in the UK like Amy Winehouse as a young star and that makes her current price of 5/1 with Paddy Power an attractive one. Another interesting candidate to play Winehouse in a potential film is pop star Lady Gaga who is known to be interested in making the breakthrough into acting. Gaga has been massively successful in music but it is hard to see her playing such a complex character with little experience on the big screen, making her one to avoid in this market.

There is plenty of value to be found in this market with a number of interesting candidates likely to be in consideration for the role of Amy Winehouse who was a singer who managed to gain a massive following through a relatively short career. Former Eastenders actor Lacey Turner made her name as Stacey Slater, and she could prove to be a hit on the big screen as Amy Winehouse having taken on many challenging storylines during her time on Albert Square. Turner is one to consider here and can currently be backed at a price of 8/1 with Paddy Power to take on the lead role of Winehouse in any future film. The story of Amy Winehouse is surely one that will be told on the big screen in the years to come and if and when it happens it will be fascinating to see who lands the lead role as the troubled and talented singer.

To Play Amy Winehouse In Film Betting with Paddy Power

• 5/1 – Billie Piper
• 6/1 – Lady Gaga
• 8/1 – Lacey Turner
• 8/1 – Kristen Stewart
• 8/1 – Vicky McClure
• 10/1 – Rooney Mara
• 12/1 – Kelly Osbourne
• 12/1 – Lourdes Leon
• 12/1 – Lauren Socha
• 14/1 – Noomi Rapace
• 14/1 – Anne-Marie Duff
• Bar

Market supplied by Paddy Power.com

William Levy The Odds On Favourite In Next Jennifer Lopez Boyfriend Betting

It was a massive shock when Jennifer Lopez and Husband Marc Anthony recently announced their split after a number of years together but already attention is turning any future boyfriend that JLo maybe considering. The pop star and actor is enjoying something of a career renaissance at the moment following her turn as a American Idol judge but the same can not be said of her private life as she faces up to another marriage break up. Lopez has enjoyed a number of high profile relationships in the past having dated the likes of Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs and Ben Affleck among others and Paddy Power have op end up a market on who they believe could be next on the arm of the Out Of Sight actress.

The odds on favourite to be confirmed as Jennifer Lopez’s boyfriend is Cuban Actor and model William Levy who himself has just split from a long time relationship. Levy and Lopez would make an ideal couple although Levy is considerably younger at just 30, Levy can be backed at 8/11 with Paddy Power to be confirmed as the new beau of JLo. There have been a number of rumours flying around that Levey and Lopez were already together following his appearance in one of her music videos, and while the claims have been denied there would be no surprise to see the pair together.

Outside of Levy there are a number of other potential suitors for Lopez to consider and there is unlikely to be a shortage of volunteers, perhaps the most interesting name on the list is that of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs who of course dated Lopez some years back. The pair were together for some time and punters who believe that spark could be rekindled can get a price of 11/4 with Paddy Power, it would be a little bit of a surprise if they were reunited but little comes as a shock in the showbiz world these days. There are one or two more unlikely candidates on the list for punters including Simon Cowell who is a 33/1 shot and Prince Harry who can be backed at 200/1 to be confirmed as JLo’s new boyfriend.

Next Jennifer Lopez Boyfriend Odds with Paddy Power

• 8/11 – William Levy
• 11/4 – Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
• 12/1 – Bradley Cooper
• 16/1 – Will I Am
• 20/1 – Ryan Reynolds
• 20/1 – Chris Pine
• 20/1 – Jake Gyllenhaal
• 25/1 – Mario Lopez
• 25/1 – George Clooney
• 25/1 – Usher
• 25/1 – Ne-Yo
• Bar

Boyfriend must be confirmed by the end of 2012 and bets are void with Paddy Power if she reunites with Marc Anthony

Adele The Favourite To Sing The Theme For New James Bond Film

Female solo artists are currently dominating the James Bond Theme Betting, with the bookmakers William Hill installing the English singer-songwriter Adele as the 3/1 favourite. Adele has had a cracking 2011 so far having enjoyed number one successes with her new album “21” and hit single “Someone Like You”, and the Londoner certainly has the powerful voice to rise to the occasion and boom a hit Bond song.

Adele is just ahead of fellow Brit Leona Lewis, who is priced at 5/1 to get a crack at singing the title song for the next James Bond film. American popstars Beyonce (8/1), Nicole Scherzinger (10/1) and Rihanna (10/1) are also among the main contenders vying for the opportunity. At 10/1 Kings of Leon look good value, as do Muse at 12/1. If you are looking for an outside bet then pop sensation Lady Gaga is available at odds of 25/1 with William Hill.

The American’s Alicia Keys and Jack White teamed up to sing the theme song for the most recent James Bond film Quantum of Solace back in 2008, with other previous contributors including Madonna, Nancy Sinatra and Paul McCartney. The 23^rd Bond film, starring Daniel Craig for the third and potentially final time, is due to be released on 9th November 2012.

Who will sing the theme for the next James Bond film?

• 3/1 – Adele
• 5/1 – Leona Lewis
• 8/1 – Beyonce
• 10/1 – Nicole Scherzinger
• 10/1 – Rihanna
• 10/1 – Kings of Leon
• 12/1 – Take That
• 12/1 – Muse
• 12/1 – Katy Perry
• 16/1 – Tinie Tempah
• 20/1 – Madonna
• 25/1 – Lady Gaga

All odds supplied by William Hill

Sam Worthington The Warm Favourite in the Next James Bond Betting

The role of James Bond is perhaps the most famous in the world of film, and the speculation about who the next actor will be to play 007 continues to build pace amid rumours that Daniel Craig will bow out after the next movie is released in 2012. Craig has been lucky enough to fill the role of James bond for the last two movies while he has signed on to star in a third which is about to go in production, it could be his last adventure as 007 though and Paddy Power have a lively market open on who they believe will step into the breach and take on the iconic role.

The name of Sam Worthington has been linked with James Bond for some time now and the Australian born Avatar actor is priced as the 5/2 favourite with Paddy Power to replace Daniel Craig and be announced as the next James Bond. Worthington is certainly an actor on the rise at the moment with his turn in Avatar winning rave reviews and he could have the ideal look for a modern and edgy Bond which is reflected in his price. His closest challenger for the role according to the betting is Tom Hardy who is a young actor on the rise, he was part of a massive smash recently when he starred in Inception and is English making him a front runner for the high profile role. His relative inexperience in a  leading role may harm his chances but again he could have the ideal look making his price of 4/1 with Paddy Power a nice looking bet.

Punters wanting to take a bit more of a gamble on picking Daniel Craig’s successor may want to take a closer look at Michael Fassbender who made his name recently in Inglorious Basterds, he is another up and coming star and although he is not English he did grown up in Northern Ireland which would stand him in good stead. Fassbender may not be a household name just yet but his odds look attractive at 14/1 with Paddy Power, he looks to have the ideal profile for a potential Bond with his look and age seemingly ideal. Whoever takes over the role from Daniel Craig will have big boots to fill, Craig has proven a big success as 007 despite some initial doubts from the traditionalists and the powers that be will be hoping that can repeat that trick with their next selection.

Next James Bond Actor Betting with Paddy Power

• 5/2 – Sam Worthington
• 4/1 – Tom Hardy
• 8/1 – Christian Bale
• 10/1 – Will Smith
• 10/1 – Gerard Butler
• 10/1 – Clive Owen
• 12/1 – Alex O’Loughlin
• 12/1 – Dougray Scott
• 14/1 – Michael Fassbender
• 14/1 – Orlando Bloom
• 14/1 – Idris Elba
• 16/1 – Henry Cavill
• Bar

Betting market supplied by Paddy Power.com

Azerbaijan the Favourites To Win The First Eurovision Semi-Final

This weekend sees the annual Eurovision Song Contest take place in Dusseldorf and there are a number of nations trying to get to the Final at the weekend in the first of the  Semi-Finals on Tuesday night. There are two Semi-Finals of the Eurovision Song Contest once again this year with the top ten finishers in each Semi joining the more powerful countries in the main final on Saturday. The idea behind the Semi-Final format was to keep the standard from dipping too low but there it is a difference of opinion as to whether the organisers have achieved their goal, nevertheless the county to beat in the first semi is  the hotly tipped Azerbaijan entry.

Azerbaijan are not know for their musically prowess on the world stage but in Ell and Nikki the bookmakers believe they could be ones to watch, that is reflected in their short looking price of  just 13/8 with Paddy Power to win the Semi-Final. The duo will be singing Running Scared for their country and as well as being favourite to win their Semi-Final they are as short as 10/1 to win the contest overall in the final on Saturday night with bookmakers Paddy Power.

As well as the hotly tipped Azerbaijan there are a number of other strong contenders in the first Semi-Final and they include Kati Wolf who will be representing Hungary this year and the bookies believe they have a place in the final sown up. Punters wanting to back the Hungarians on Tuesday night can get a price of 3/1 to win the Semi-Final while anyone wanting to back Miss Wolf to go all the way on Saturday night can get 9/1 also with Paddy Power.com. The Semi-Finals are now a major part of Eurovision week and the more enthusiastic Eurovision supporters out there will welcome the chance to have a first look at some of the major players ahead of the big final on Saturday.

Eurovision Song contest First Semi-Final Win Betting

• 13/8 – Azerbaijan
• 3/1 – Hungary
• 11/2 – Russia
• 8/1 – Finland
• 8/1 – Turkey
• 9/1 – Norway
• 16/1 – Greece
• 33/1 – Serbia
• 33/1 – Armenia
• 33/1 – Poland
• 33/1 – Georgia
• 50/1 – Switzerland
• Bar

All markets supplied courtesy of Paddy Power.com

Is Charlie Sheen About To Move Into The Playboy Mansion?

One man has dominated the showbiz headlines over the past few months and that is Charlie Sheen who appears to be lurching from one crisis to another at the moment, but that has not stopped Paddy Power offering some nice specials about the future of this unpredictable star. Sheen has recently been sacked from his hit sitcom Two and Half Men and after a series of rambling interviews and his next career move will be an interesting one, he appears to be struggling with addiction at the moment but we have seen many stars come back from worse than this.

Punters wanting to get involved with some Paddy Power specials can a get a price of 50/1 that Charlie Sheen will turn his career round and pick up an Oscar by 2015, he is clearly a talented actor but at the moment he seems a log way away from the Academy Awards. Perhaps a more realistic bet would be the 10/1 on offer from Paddy Power about Sheen picking up a Golden Globe, which although is still prestigious is a notch below the holy grail of an Oscar.

Sheen is also well known for his turbulent love life having a number of famous break-ups on his record and with that in mind punters can have a short looking price of 3/1 with Paddy Power.com about his next wife being a Playboy Centrefold, while how about the price of just 20/1 that Sheen will take the decision to move into the Playboy Mansion on a full-time basis!

Charlie Sheen Specials with Paddy Power

• 3/1 – Charlie Sheen to marry a Playboy Centrefold next
• 8/1 – Charlie Sheen to win a Screen Actors Guild Award by 2015
• 10/1 – Charlie Sheen to win a Golden Globe by 2015
• 20/1 – Charlie Sheen to move into the Playboy Mansion permanently
• 50/1 – Charlie Sheen to win an Oscar by 2015

Free Charlie Sheen Special Bets with Paddy Power Here

The King’s Speech short odds make it the favourite to win Best Picture at the 2011 Oscars

The 2011 Academy Awards will be the 83rd running of the Hollywood prize giving ceremony and it will be taking place on Sunday 27th February from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

The nominations for the 2011 awards were announced on 25th January with the Kings Speech leading the pack receiving twelve nominations including the most coveted award the Best Picture, the remake of  the western True Grit followed with ten nominations and film based on the story of the creation of social media website Facebook; the Social Network along with sci/fi action thriller Inception both of which had eight nominations.

Although in the 2011 Golden Globes (which is normally a good indicator for the Oscars) The Social Network won the best film category, the Kings Speech starring Colin Firth is expected to clean up at this years Oscars.

Best Picture Oscars 2011

All odds for this market are supplied by bookmakers Paddy Power, click on the odds to bet on the film winning.

• 1/6 – The King’s Speech
• 4/1 – The Social Network
• 33/1 – True Grit
• 40/1 – Black Swan
• 50/1 – The Fighter
• 100/1 – Inception
• 100/1 – Toy Story 3
• 125/1 – 127 Hours
• 200/1 – Winters Bone
• 200/1 – The Kids Are Alright

Click here to place a bet on the 2011 Oscars and claim your free bet from Paddy Power

The Kings Speech SNL Parody with Russell Brand

Best Picture Film Rap

A quick overview of who is up for an award by the medium of rap.

Click here to claim your free £30 bet from Paddy Power

What will be the top grossing film of 2011?

It is set to be big year for attendances at the cinema and it looks as if the biggest films of the year are all set to sequels, we are looking forward to Harry Potter 7b, Pirates of the Caribbean another Transformer film and for hormonal teenage girls we have the next installment of the Twilight saga to look forward to.

The last ever Harry Potter film is expected to clear up at the box office, the final film has been cut into two films and the first installment which was released at the tail end of last year has managed to earn over $900 million worldwide.

Highest Grossing Film of 2011

The bookmakers Paddy Power have opened up a market on which film they think will top the box office charts. To qualify the film must be released in 2011 and appear as the highest grosser on the IMDb.com “All-Time Box Office: World-wide” list on 30th June 2012.

• 4/9 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
• 2/1 – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
• 12/1 – Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I
• 14/1 – Transformers: Dark of the Moon
• 16/1 – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• 33/1 – Captain America: The First Avenger
• 33/1 – World Invasion: Battle LA
• 40/1 – The Hangover 2
• 100/1 – Scream 4

Click here to place your novelty bet with Paddy Power

World Invasion: Battle LA Trailer

Looking at past box office returns cinema goers enjoy a good invasion of Earth by aliens (Independence Day earned over $800 million worldwide) so out tip to be the highest grossing film is the outside chance World Invasion: Battle LA starring Michelle Rodriguez and Aaron Eckhart.

Click here to claim your free £30 bet from Paddy Power

Toy Story 3 looking a dead cert for Golden Globe glory

The smash hit animated film Toy Story 3 has been placed as the most likely film to win the coveted Best Animated Feature Film category at this years Golden Globes. The awards ceremony takes place on January 16th from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood and it will be broadcast live to around 150 countries across the world. It will be the 68th running of the awards ceremony that is often viewed as an indicator to the years Oscar winners.

The film has starting the voice work of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as  the films heroes; Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively has so far according to movie site Boxofficemojo.com raked in over $1 billion dollars worldwide. Almost half of this has come from the domestic American market on a production budget of around $200 million, not a bad profit margin! It has also been universally praised by critics and movie goers as an excellent addition to the Toy Story franchise and rounds off one of the only perfect film trilogies.

The only real competition to win the award is the DreamWorks feature; How to Train Your Dragon which has earned just under $500 million worldwide and also received wide critical acclaim for its inventive use of 3D technology.

Best Animated Feature Film

All odds for this market come from novelty bet kings Paddy Power.

• 1/7 – Toy Story 3
• 4/1 – How To Train Your Dragon
• 20/1 – Despicable Me
• 25/1 – Tangled
• 25/1 – The Illusionist

Click here to bet on Toy Story 3 winning a Golden Globe with Paddy Power

Toy Story 3 Trailer

See what all the fuss was about with this trailer from the film.

Click here to bet on Toy Story 3 winning a Golden Globe with Paddy Power