A number of Oxfam’s high profile ambassadors, including actors Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Kristin Davis, and Bill Nighy are calling on G8 leaders to urgently respond to global poverty challenges, starting with a boost in funds for climate change, the food crisis and development aid.

The 34th G8 Summit, which is taking place until the 9th, is a gathering of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, the United States, Canada and Russia. In a letter drafted by the Oxfam ambassadors, the group remarked “The Millennium Development Goals that were set out in 2000 were chosen because they were ambitious, but also because they were realistic and achievable. The current delays in meeting these commitments are a disgrace.”

Source: Ecorazzi.com

Scarlett Johansson designed this racer back tank exclusively for INTERMIX in honor of the third annual “VH1 Rock Honors” event celebrating the legendary band The Who. The tank is a grey racer back style with a coral music clef on the front, a row of dots around the neck and a “Scarlett” with a heart at the back center of the neck.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the tank will be donated to the Save the Music Foundation.

Pre-order your very own Scarlett Johansson tank here!

This is – hopefully – the last time that I post about this matter. It truly is insane how it has been blown out of proportion!

As he headed to a Hollywood fundraiser, Sen. Barack Obama downplayed the idea that he hobnobs with actress Scarlett Johansson.

The movie star, who campaigns actively for the Illinois senator, recently told the website Politico, “You’d imagine that someone like the senator who is constantly traveling and constantly ‘on’ – how can he return these personal emails? But he does, and in his off-time I know he also calls people who have donated the minimum to thank them.”

She said Obama had responded to one note about a debate, commenting to her that the questions were “silly.”

But speaking to reporters aboard his campaign plane, Obama said the actress doesn’t have his personal email address. “She sent one email to Reggie, who forwarded it to me,” Obama said, referring to his 26-year-old personal assistant, Reggie Love. “I write saying, ‘thank you Scarlett for doing what you do,’ and suddenly we have this email relationship”

Source: Washington Post

Politico.com has published an excellent new interview with Scarlett. In it she discusses politics and her support of Obama. Read the full article here.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Of course, there’s always the possibility of a backlash. “Even I’m wary of celebrity endorsements,” Johansson told Politico on Friday. “I don’t want to seem like I’m holier than thou. We all have the same right to vote and, especially in this technical age where we all can broadcast our opinions, we all have the opportunity to entice others to vote.” But, she adds, “if the spotlight is on me, I might as well try to direct it on things and causes that I believe in.”

Johansson is somewhat shocked that he keeps up their back-and-forth correspondence. “You’d imagine that someone like the senator who is constantly traveling and constantly ‘on’ — how can he return these personal e-mails?” she asks. “But he does, and in his off-time I know he also calls people who have donated the minimum to thank them. Nobody sees it, nobody talks about it, but it’s incredible.” She adds, “I feel like I’m supporting someone, and having a personal dialogue with them, and it’s amazing.”

He has followed her career as well, telling her that his favorite performance was her turn in “Lost in Translation.” He’s a “huge movie lover” and “knows who every actor is,” she says.

As for her own involvement with his campaign, she’s pragmatic. “I approach my campaigning for Obama the same way I do my work for other social or environmental causes: I’m hoping to raise awareness,” she explains. “I’m not telling people who to vote for, and I don’t expect that if I did it would swing votes. At least, I hope not. What I want to do is raise awareness of Obama and his policies, and share my own story of how I became involved in his campaign. Perhaps, if they’re a fan, my story might entice them to learn or spark their interest some other way. If I can answer questions or direct people to a website where they can get more information, that’s how I can help.”

Scarlett has donated a “Doodle” that is being auctioned on eBay to benefit NF, Inc., a national non-profit organization that supports families affected by Neurofibromatosis. The auction began yesterday at 6PM (ET) and continues through May 18. Don’t miss your chance to win a piece of art drawn by Ms. Johansson herself!

Please visit the auction to bid and doodledayusa.org for more information!

Scarlett Johansson is to go on a date with a fan who paid $40,100 to meet the screen beauty.

The lucky UK bidder, known only as ‘bossnour’, beat 170 others to buy two tickets to the premiere of Scarlett’s new film He’s Just Not That Into You in July in either Los Angeles or New York where they will meet the actress.

All proceeds raised from the eBay auction will go to charity Oxfam America.

In a video posted on the website, Scarlett said: “Hi, I’m Scarlett Johansson and I am auctioning off two tickets to the world premiere of my new film, He’s Just Not That Into You. This auction benefits Oxfam which in an international relief agency that fights poverty around the world.

“The winner of the charity auction will not only get to attend the premiere, but 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to supporting Oxfam’s work. So, please bid high! Thank you for your support, and happy bidding!”

(more…)

As previously reported, Scarlett Johansson has set up a special auction to raise money for Oxfam America, an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice. The auction is now online and awaiting your bid. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Oxfam and the auction ends March 12 @ 11 PM EST. The winning bidder will receive:

• Two tickets to the world premiere of He’s Just Not That Into You. The premiere location has not yet been determined but will be in either Los Angeles or New York this July.

• Chauffeured car service to the premiere

• Hair and makeup for one by Prive

• A meet and greet with Scarlett at the premiere

Bid for your chance to meet Scarlett Johansson at eBay.com. There’s also a couple of other related auctions up there, including signed DVDs. Good luck!

International relief and development agency Oxfam America is proud to announce it is working with eBay to launch a fundraising auction initiative, which will benefit Oxfam’s poverty relief and advocacy efforts around the world. The program consists of four consecutive charity auctions beginning on February 20, 2008, featuring unique “experiences” with Oxfam Ambassadors including Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Kristin Davis and Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou. Each item listing will run for 10 days and will be featured at http://www.ebay.com/oxfam.

– Two tickets to be Scarlett Johansson’s guest at the June premiere of He’s Just Not That into You starring Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Long and Ben Affleck

– Hair and make-up services by Prive Salon and chauffeured car service provided by Audi to the Premiere event with Johansson

(more…)

Scarlett has a message for you. Click here to listen to it.