Rosario Dawson signs on to Denzel’s new movie and other casting news.

-Unstoppable, Tony Scott and Denzel Washington’s follow-up to their Taking of Pelham 123 remake, was almost stopped when Washington left the project for two weeks back in July over unspecified concerns (most likely having to do with the size of his paycheck). But then the two-time Oscar winner had a change of heart and the project is no speeding along towards a start date, picking up the lovely and talented Rosario Dawson in the process. Loosely based on a true story, the film casts Washington as a locomotive engineer who teams up with a brash young conductor (Star Trek’s Chris Pine) to halt a runaway train carrying highly toxic chemicals. No word on Dawson’s character, but due to the age gap, we’re betting she strikes sparks with Pine rather than Washington.

-File this under “We’ll believe this when we see it.” The website bloody-disgusting.com is reporting that Robert Downey Jr. will be taking over Tom Cruise’s fangs as vampire rock star Lestat in a new film version based on Anne Rice’s popular series of novels. Expect this project to live or die depending on how well Downey’s first outing as Sherlock Holmes performs at the box office this winter.

-Coming off his turn in the critically acclaimed Iraq War movie The Hurt Locker, Anthony Mackie joins the cast of the new thriller The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. Adapted from a Philip K. Dick short story, the film involves a congressman whose career is threatened when he strikes up a relationship with a ballerina with a shady past.

-Texas-born Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria Parker is getting in touch with her Mexican roots by agreeing to star in her first Spanish-language film, Day of Grace. Set to be shot on location in Mexico City, the film will tackle one of the country’s major problems—kidnapping.

-Apparently Jon Hamm never saw Watchmen. The Mad Men star has agreed to appear in director Zack Snyder’s new movie Sucker Punch, about a young girl who is locked away in a mental institution and enters a parallel reality where she and the rest of the young inmates turn into gun-toting bad grrrls. Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens and Jena Malone round out the cast.

-50 Cent’s former onscreen flame Joy Bryant has joined the cast of NBC’s upcoming series Parenthood, based on Ron Howard’s 1989 comedy of the same name. She’ll play a single mom who returns home to San Francisco so that she can pursue her dreams of being a dancer and introduce her son to his absent father.

-And now for something completely different: the surviving members of the legendary British comedy troupe Monty Python will reunite in October to mark their 40^th anniversary and hype an upcoming IFC Channel documentary Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut).

Actress Joy Bryant was among the bevy of beautiful starlets on the front row of Herve Leger’s Fall 2009 Show. The bandage dresses favored by celebrities like Rhianna, Beyonce and Cassie got a new twist this season with a futuristic feeling. Max Azria for Herve Leger presented black, brown and sparkling form-fitting dresses that hugged the models as they paraded down the wood paneled runway. Some of the models took a spill (yes, fell down) on the catwalk in their ferociously, fierce platform heels. Regardless of the tumbles, the collection was a cut above. Check out some of the haute Herve looks.

Lights! Cameras! Action! Today was the kick-off of the New York Fall 2009 Fashion Week and the celebrities were there to check out what’s next in style. Solange, Estelle, Ryan Leslie, Fonzworth Bentley, Faune Chambers, Lindsay Lohan, Chrisette Michelle and Joy Bryant were some of the celebrities who were sitting on the front rows. Check out a few of the stars on the scene.

Boy, was it cold in DC on January 20. As Nicola Vassell and I stood freezing amongst the sea of thousands that turned out for the inauguration, I wondered if this was a mistake. Should we just break out now and head back home to watch in warm and comfort on the couch in front of the huge flat screen. I mean, we got there so early, there was plenty of time to bounce and catch him on TV. Why didn’t I dress better? Why didn’t I use my celebrity hook up to get better tix? Why didn’t I bring a blanket? Why am I here freezing my ass off? Why why why?!?! It all ran through my mind during the 4-hour wait for President Obama to appear. The sun was fighting its way through the clouds as we fought to stay warm. We discovered that sitting on the cold grass was the best way to beat the cold, using the other standing bodies as a windshield and we instantly felt better. Nikki kept me laughing, “I’m Jamaican, dammit! I’m not used to this cold!” she said, her eyes the only visible part of her face, peaking out in between her wine colored scarf and brown hat. Laughter can sure be a cure-all sometimes. And on cue, the sun made its glorious, full-on appearance. Aaaaaaaah… Suddenly, things weren’t so bad and I started to think, why was I even asking why to begin with? Why was I complaining about the cold and positioning and blah blah blah? I was there, like so many others, because I wanted that memory, that story to share. I had the great honor of a getting ticket (and a pretty decent one at that), when so many wanted one and couldn’t get one, or had one and still couldn’t get in. How dare I take that for granted? So I told my ego to take a hike. I, like so many, have been on this incredible journey with Barack Obama. This was the day we’ve been waiting for, day that generations have been praying for, the day that many thought would never come in their lifetime. And if given the choice, why would I choose to be anywhere else?

I rose to feel the sun on my face, to look at the Capitol dome (how beautiful the architecture!), and to see faces of the people around me. We were in it together and though strangers, there was a familiarity: we came in peace… we came with love… we came as citizens, proud of our country and hopeful for its future. And just then, a woman tapped me on my shoulder. “Joy? It’s me, Marnie!” Turns out, I’d been standing shoulder to shoulder with my friend from high school that I haven’t seen since high school. Turns out we both cut the line in the same place, at the same time on our way in. Turns out she and her family live 2 blocks from where we were staying. Turns out, I was meant to be in that section, at that time. There was plenty of time to catch up and we did. She and her husband even invited Nikki and me along to a parade viewing party along the parade route. We kept giving each other hugs, so happy to see each other again, so happy to share in the moment.

And there we all stood, friends and strangers, freezing and frozen, laughing and crying, booing and cheering… together. And that’s how we’ll get through all the mess that our country is in right now… together.

* Joy Bryant is an actress and writer who lives in Los Angeles.

You will agree that some moments in life are truly awe-inducing. A few make you tear up repeatedly, and others make for proud reflection with your grandkids 20 years from now. The Inauguration of America’s 44th President, Barack Obama proved top on that list, and was a memorable happening indeed.

Actress Joy Bryant and I hopped on a bus to D.C. in the wee hours of Sunday morning and began a whirlwind of activities that slowed down only Wednesday afternoon. Here are the highlights:

Monday, January 19:

MoveOn.org and Manifest Hope Inauguration Party

Shepard Fairey, known for his iconic portraits of Obama, and Yosi Sergant of Evolutionary Media organized a kick-ass pre-inauguration bash in Georgetown. It included an excellent exhibition of Obama portraits by young artists, but the icing on top was provided by Santogold who tore up the place with a full set of her reggae/hip-hop infused rock hits. When the totally amped crowd begged for more, De La Soul brought down the house with a long list of much loved faves. In the stage wings were actors, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, Josh Lucas, Tim Robbins and musicians Moby and Michael Stipe.

Tuesday, January 20:

Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America

Two million people gathered on the National Mall, behind the towering Corinthian columns of the Capitol, and weathered icy temperatures to witness the swearing in of our 44th President, Barack Obama. No less brave, Joy and I joined the troops in our quest for a sliver of history. Waiting for over 5 hours without seats in the “Yellow Section” (unless you count an occasional plop onto the dirty, grassy mound — backaches included) we got the show we paid for. The passing of the torch was hiccup free until Chief Justice John G. Roberts’ bungled the presidential oath, an error Obama corrected. A stirring speech brought tears and emotion aflow. It was a spectacular occurrence for the people by the people.

Wednesday, January 21:

Americans for the Arts Post-Inaugural Arts Brunch

Americans for the Arts is the most politically active arts entity in the nation, so it was no surprise when Robert L. Lynch, President of AFTA and Kerry Washington, actor and AFTA Artists Committee member, hosted a Post Inaugural Arts Brunch at The Studio Theatre. The buzz topic at this tête à tête—besides the performance of Peter Yarrow from the renowned folk group Peter, Paul and Mary—was the forthcoming Arts Advocacy Day where key activists approach congress about plans to further the arts and arts education. In the crowd were actors Tracey Ellis Ross, Michael York and art heavyweights Robert Storr, former Curator at MoMA, Dean of the Yale School of Art and Kerry Brougher, Director and Chief Curator of the Hirshhorn Museum.

* Nicola Vassell is a Director at Deitch Projects in N.Y.C.

If anyone exudes effortless style, it’s Joy Bryant. This red carpet maven always looks perfectly put together. Whether she’s in an all white Goddest gown or a black leather motorcycle jacket, she is always one of the hottest chicks on any carpet.

For more Celeb Style, click here!

Sexy and sophisticated ladies were all the rage in 2008. From political stages to fund raisers, the front row at fashion shows to red carpets, women weren’t afraid to show their femininity wearing short, colorful dresses and showing lots of leg. REMEMBER: Beauty + Brains = Power. Check out 8 of the smartest, most social and sexiest women of ’08.

Gentlemen it’s time to get dapper. Bow ties are the height of men’s fashion from day time preppy looks to black tie evening affairs. Check out eight of the most stylish male celebs in their bow ties.

The Second Annual Stoked Mentoring Awards honored skate boarding legend Tony Hawk for his commitment to youth and community. E! News’ Sal Masekela, a member of the Stoked Board of Directors, hosted the nights festivities. Actress Joy Bryant was an Honorary Chair of the event — music, cocktails and a silent auction — which was held at the Red Bull Space in New York City’s Soho.

Stoked is a non-profit organization that matches underprivileged and at-risk youth with mentors who teach life lessons through action sports like skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding in New York and L.A. Stoked Mentoring Founder and Executive Director Steve Larosiliere began the organization in 2004 to develop “successful teens with opportunity, knowledge, experience, and determination.” Larosiliere said: “In action sports when you fall down, you get back up. That’s a great life lesson.” Indeed.

For more information, check out the Stoked website.

Fashion shows used to be just that, fashion shows. But nowadays, in our celebrity-obsessed culture, the stars are almost more prominent than the clothing being presented by the designers. The models are barely memorable anymore. And is that is not enough, the parties and soirees have become even hotter thanks in part to the turbo boast of celebrities. Just look at the recent the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. It was a Who’s Who of hip hop, Hollywood and high-society. Check out some of the highlights through the red carpet mania and strobe lights. Which celebs rocked it best? Let us know.

Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend hosted a cocktail party at Barney’s New York for Andre 3000′s clothing line Benjamin Bixby. Attendees: Genevieve Jones, Veronica Webb, Vivica A. Fox, celeb stylist Phillip Bloch.

LL Cool J launches a new clothing line with Sears at a cocktail party at The Bryant Park Grill. Clearly the ladies love cool James and so does everyone with a digital camera, video camera and camera phone. Funk Master Flex kept the music hot while the fans swarmed and swooned over LL.

Jay-Z hosts an Artful Dodger party and fashion exhibit in a The Chelsea Art Gallery. Attendees: Beyonce Knowles, Maxwell, Ashanti, video director and photographer Anthony Mandler, Universal Mowtown’s Sylvia Rhone, choreographer Fatima Robinson.

Herve Leger by Max Azria shows at the tent in Bryant Park and delivers the goods with a finale of bandage swimsuits worn with shades and high heels. The Hottness!!! Attendees: Joy Bryant, Leonor Varela, Kate Mara, Maria Sharapova.

Estelle performs at Calvin Klein’s 40th Anniversary Party.

Russell Simmons’ Argyle was a front row extravaganza. Yo paparazzi, watch the shoes, I have three more events tonight!!! Attendees: Aubrey O’Day and D. Woods of Danity Kane, Bow Wow, Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Mel B., Sean Paul, Warner Music Groups Kevin Liles, Bethann Hardison, choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson.

Prada’s “Fallen Shadows” Party in Soho. Flashing lights, velvet ropes, red carpet, rockin’ music and an eclipse of stars: Attendees: Kanye West, Jessica Alba, Robin Thicke and wifey Paula Patton, Cassie, Zoë Saldana, Perry Farrell, Heather Graham, Ne-Yo, Claire Danes and more…

Dean and Dan Caten or DSquared2 launched their new fragrance Wood on the rooftop of their accessories show room over looking Manhattan and the Hudson River: Attendees: Marc Jacobs, Zoë Saldana, and Ryan Leslie.

Tommy Hilfiger’s front row was hot and so was his collection shown at New York’s Lincoln Center. Attendees: Michael Pitt, John Legend, Hillary Swank, Diane Kruger, Mark Ronson, Daniel Merriweather, DJ Cassidy, O’Neal McKnight.

Kimora Lee Simmons closed fashion week with a bang at the Roseland Ballroom and a sizzling after party at the newly renovated and posh Plaza Hotel. GIANT was a sponsor! KLS was cozy with her man Dijmon Hounsou and keeping it ab fab!!! Attendees: Maxwell, Serena Williams, John Legend, Andre Leon Talley, Teyana Taylor, O’Neal McKnight, Denise Rich, LeToya Lockett and Evan Ross.

Yours truly must once again add another load to the work stable that is my life. I proudly present you to Channel Zero – my infamous blog about all things on the boob tube. Last night, I was blessed to be able to check out the red carpet for the 5th Annual VH1 Hip-Hop Honors. After the jump, check out the gallery to see all of the who’s who whom attended!

With so many stars in the galaxy last night, it was hard to keep being the standout that I normally am. Special thanks goes out to Nyle Washington and Luis DeFrank of VH1 for making sure that things ran smoothly and that I didn’t get lost in the Hammerstein Ballroom. Kudos are also out there for Dallas Penn and Monique Balcarran for keeping the laughs coming.

Be sure to tune in to VH1 on October 6th as Tracy Morgan hosts the 5th Annual VH1 Hip-Hop Honors at 10:00pm.