The September issue of Vogue US will be its biggest ever. With the pop star Lady Gaga on the cover, the 916-page doorstopper will mark the influential Condé Nast title's 120th anniversary. Vogue's previous record-holder, its 840-page September 2007 issue, was the focal point of the acclaimed 2009 documentary The September Issue. It was the biggest magazine ever published, weighing nearly 2.25 kilograms. * AP
Fallon passes on Oscar host gig
Jimmy Fallon says he was asked to host next year's Academy Awards but declined the gig. "It's an honour to be asked by the academy, but it's not my year," he told The Today Show on Wednesday. Meanwhile, last year's Oscar host, Billy Crystal, told USA Today he would be open to returning for a 10th turn at leading the ceremony. "The door is open. It's up to them. I had a very good time the last time," he said. * AP
Ben Affleck to direct Justice League?
Warner Bros has approached Ben Affleck to direct its forthcoming DC Comics big-screen superhero team-up, Justice League. Affleck previously declined an offer from the studio to helm its Superman reboot film Man of Steel, which is now being directed by Zack Snyder and is set for a June 2013 release.
Surviving Monkees reunite for US tour
The three surviving members of The Monkees are reuniting for the first time in 15 years for a US tour in November. The tour - which will bring together Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Mickey Dolenz - follows the February 29 death of the band's British-born frontman Davy Jones. "This seems like a good time to do this," Nesmith told Rolling Stone magazine. "Who knows when we will get another chance?" The concerts will include a multimedia salute to Jones. * AFP
ET creator Rambaldi dies
Carlo Rambaldi, the special effects master of the iconic alien ET, died on Friday in Italy. He was 86. "One of the geniuses of international cinema has gone," said Italy's cultural adviser Mario Caliguiri. Rambaldi won three Oscars for his work - on Alien, ET and King Kong - and a legion of fans. "He was ET's Geppetto," said Steven Spielberg. "All of us who marvelled at his craft and artistry are deeply saddened by the news of his passing." * AFP
Morissette and Diddy in talks for Idol
After Mariah Carey signed on to be a new judge on American Idol last month, two more names are being attached to the reality series, the highest-rated show on US television. Alanis Morissette confirmed on a Las Vegas radio show that she's "in talks with somebody right now" from the show, while the New York Post reported Sean "Diddy" Combs has also been asked.
