Kendrick Lamar Has The First No. 1 Album With 'Pimp' In The Title

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 24: Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs at #GETPUMPED live event. Reebok And Kendrick Lamar Take Over The Streets Of Hollywood, Fusing Fitness And Music With A Ground-Breaking Event on March 24, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Chris Weeks/Getty Images for Reebok) | Chris Weeks via Getty Images There are many historical firsts in Billboard chart history, and Kendrick Lamar just notched a pretty unique landmark: "To Pimp a Butterfly" is the first No. 1 album with the word "pimp" in its title.
Billboard.com reports that the last album with "pimp" in the title that charted was Pimp C's "Pimpalation," which hit No. 3 in 2006. The site also notes that "butterfly" is a rare word for a No. 1 album, last seen in Mariah Carey's "Butterfly" and Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace)," both of which came out in 1997.
Released March 16, the acclaimed "To Pimp a Butterfly" is Lamar's first No. 1 album. 2012's "good kid, m.A.A.d city" peaked at No. 2, selling 241,000 copies. "Butterfly" debuted with 363,000 equivalent album units, which represent copies sold as well as individual tracks purchased and streamed via services like Spotify and Google Play. Lamar saw the year's second-highest debut to date, behind Drake's surprise mixtape, "If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late," which sold 495,000.

Chris Copeland Apologizes For Being Out Late The Night He Was Stabbed

PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 02: Chris Copeland #22 of the Indiana Pacers shoots a free throw shot against the Indiana Pacers during the NBA game at US Airways Center on December 2, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Christian Petersen via Getty Images Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland issued an apology on Thursday for staying out late Wednesday night at a New York nightclub, near where he was stabbed in the elbow and abdomen and his female companion was slashed.
“I want to thank all the fans, friends, teammates, coaches and the Pacers organization for their support and prayers during this time,” Copeland said in a statement. “I also want to apologize to everyone, particularly the NBA and the Pacers for my bad choice at being out at that time. I am doing as well as can be expected and I will work hard to make a full recovery.”
The Pacers organization said in an accompanying statement that the 31-year-old forward is in “stable condition” in New York City. He has already undergone surgery for the injuries he sustained during the attack. (ESPN's Chris Broussard has separately reported that Copeland has fractured his elbow during the incident.)

Chris Copeland update and statement

A photo posted by Spears (@spearsmarcj) on Apr 9, 2015 at 9:31am PDT

Two Atlanta Hawks, Pero Antic and Thabo Sefolosha, were arrested during the incident after they allegedly impeded police procedures.

See Golden Globes Nominee Amy Adams s Most Timeless Red Carpet Looks

See All Photos Could Amy Adams s red carpet style be any more flawless? The actress is always at the top of our list when it comes to people we can t wait to see hit the red carpet, and for good reason: Though she favors the Old Hollywood glamour look, Adams is also a risk taker.
PHOTOS: Amy Adams Changing Looks
From her red-hot Elie Saab separates at last year s Oscars luncheon (above, right) to the eye-catching shade of pink she wore to the Critics Choice Awards to the sexy strapless metallic Gucci frock she wore at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in 2013, Adams definitely isn t afraid to spice up her classic look in a bold way. In honor of her sixth Golden Globe nomination for her role in Big Eyes, we re taking a look back at Adams s most stylish red carpet moments.
PHOTOS: Amy Adams Best Red Carpet Looks Ever

MTV Is About to Get Fancier! Iggy Azalea Named New House of Style Host

Iggy Azalea may be having the best year ever! MTV has just announced that the breakout artist has been named the new host of MTV s iconic fashion series House of Style. After years of honing her signature style on hip-hop’s underground circuit, Azalea burst onto the charts in 2014 with her smash hit Fancy  featuring Charli XCX. The song currently holds the record on the Billboard Hot 100 as the longest-leading No. 1 song by a female rapper, after it topped the chart for seven weeks.
Not only is Azalea a star in the music world—collaborating with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, T.I., and Ariana Grande—but she has hit it off with the fashion crowd as well. Azalea emerged as a sartorial star both on and off the red carpet, rocking looks by Elie Saab, John Galliano, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, and more. Clearly, she will be a fitting host for House of Style, which explores the relationship between music and fashion and connects fans with celebrity style setters and designers to explore new trends.
The biggest impact that House of Style had on pop culture is its ability to make fashion fun and interesting to fans who are both diehard fashionistas or not at all, Azalea said in a statement. I am so excited to bring back this iconic show for another generation of teenagers.
On the series, the rapper will take viewers everywhere from L.A.’s best vintage stores to a music video set with Rita Ora and designer Jeremy Scott. The eight-episode digitally driven season will kick off on Aug. 4, and will culminate during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (in which Azalea is up for seven awards).
Want more? See what everyone wore to last year s MTV VMAs in the gallery.

Check Out Carrie Underwood s Adorable Baby Bump at the CMA Awards

Carrie Underwood is radiant on the red carpet!
Underwood—who announced via Instagram back in Semptember that she is expecting her first child with husband Mike Fisher, didn t let her pregnancy stop her from going all out at the Country Music Awards. The co-host (alongside singer Brad Paisley) and nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, chose a shimmering golden beaded gown by Lorena Sarbu to debut on the carpet, showing off just a mere peek of a baby bump. For her hosting duties, she changed into a plethora of other gowns, proving that her pregnancy is perhaps even adding to her outfit ADD.
PHOTOS: See All the Looks From the 2014 CMA Awards
The country star, 31, and Fisher, 34, (an NHL player for the Nashville Predators) married in 2010. This will be their first child together.
PHOTOS: See Carrie Underwood’s Best Looks Ever Here

Is This Jennifer Aniston s New Signature Color?

See All Photos Move over, LBD! Jennifer Aniston has a new sartorial love—the LWD (little white dress). After an impossibly chic streak of super-glam outfits, like her sequined high-slit Saint Laurent gown at the Globes or her daring one-shoulder Antonio Berardi dress, Aniston went and did a 180 on us with a design unlike anything we ve ever seen her wear.
RELATED: InStyle Cover Girl Jennifer Aniston Shares Her Breakfast Smoothie
At the Los Angeles premiere of Cake, our February cover girl went the girly route and stepped out in an achingly sweet (as sweet as cake!) cut-out Giambattista Valli LWD with a darling bow detail at the neckline, scalloped edges, and a floral-print skirt. For the finishing touches, she accessorized with delicate Jennifer Meyer jewelry and patent black Christian Louboutins.
Is the the beginning of the end of Aniston s LBD streak? Or was this a one-off thing? Only her next red carpet appearance will tell. Either way, can we all agree she looks exceptionally stunning?
PHOTOS: 13 Times Jennifer Aniston Chose Not to Wear Her Signature LBD

From Liv Tyler s Baby Bump to Willow Shields and Jennifer Lawrence s Sister Moment, See This Weekend s Best Instagrams

It was a celebration of real-life and on-screen families this weekend on Instagram! Liv Tyler captured a sweet moment with her burgeoning baby bump, while Hunger Games star Willow Shields shared a photo with her on-screen sister Jennifer Lawrence from the Mockingjay Part 1 press day in New York City.
However, they weren t the only ones to share sweet family moments. From Solange Knowles s wedding to Heidi Klum s day with her kids, we couldn t help but double-tap these cute photos. Take a look at our 10 favorite celebrity Instagrams from the weekend below!
1.  Liv Tyler

A photo posted by Liv Tyler (@misslivalittle) on

2. Willow Shields
Mockingjay press day in NYC

Mockingjay press day in NYC

A photo posted by Willow Shields (@willowshields) on

3. January Jones
Happy belated birthday @kiernanshipka! #daughterfromanothermother

Happy belated birthday @kiernanshipka ❤️

Meet the Man Who Can Transform into Kim Kardashian

It’s official: Kim Kardashian can break the Internet without even trying.
Meet Paolo Ballesteros, the multi-talented makeup artist who uses wigs, contact lenses, and some seriously impressive contouring skills to morph into just about any female celebrity, from Miley Cyrus to Madonna and Katy Perry. His latest transformation, however? None other than Mrs. Kardashian West. Yes, the images you’re seeing above are not the real Kim.
The jaw-dropping selfies come just days after the reality star’s most recent hair change from platinum to icy blonde, and the results are perfection. Ballesteros, who’s a Filipino actor and TV host, nailed everything from Kardashian’s chiseled cheekbones to her famously pouty lips (we re not sure how, but he managed to acquire some ample cleavage, too).
Watch out, Kim! You might have some competition.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Kim Kardashian’s Ice-Blonde Hair
See more of Ballesteros s shocking transformations below!
Kylie Jenner:

KYLIE JERJER

Editor Tested: Beard Oils

In the past, men s grooming products have been pretty limited to skincare and shaving, but what about the guys who want to let their beards grow into their full glory? Like the hair on your head, your beard also needs hydration, especially in the drying winter months, which is why beard oils are a must for any guy who wants to rock a Grizzly Adams-esque look. With his own in need of some TLC, InStyle.com Photo Editor Alex Reside took three different beard oils from Tom Ford, Beardbrand, and Prospector & Co. on a road test over the course of a week. Keep reading to find out what he thought!
RELATED: Our Photo Editor Replaced His Daily Coffee with Caffeine-Infused Skincare
My beard was born in 2008 while studying abroad in Paris. I came back to America, wore scarves, drank red wine, used French phrases, and annoyed my friends. Luckily, I kicked most of those habits but the beard stayed. It’s filled in a lot more now: still not really Jon Hamm or George Clooney thick, but more along the lines of Matthew McConaughey’s Golden Globe look though a little more under control.
You would think that by now I would have tried more grooming tools and products, but up until last week, I just went for whatever shampoo and shaving cream was in the cabinet. I can admit now the error in my foolish ways, but let me tell you the good news: Beard oil is a real game changer.
When I first started, I began to ask questions: Do I even want my beard to smell good? Will it look gross and greasy? Will the smell be overwhelming right under my nose all the time? What does my beard smell like now? (I think the safe bet is coffee and/or buffalo chicken).
RELATED: Michael B. Jordan Spills His Best Men’s Grooming Tips
With things like this, it’s best to just dive right in. So I dropped two drops, about dime size, of Beard Brand’s Spiced Citrus Beard Oil ($25; beardbrand.com) into the palm of my cupped hand. I then took my other hand and rubbed the oil onto my fingertips and began to massage it through my beard. Immediately, I could feel the bristles softening and absorbing the oil. The smell was really great too earthy, but bright, orange, and citrusy without smelling like a fresh can of Orange Crush.
After two days and three applications, I began to really notice the difference. My beard was way softer to the touch and the light smell was really nice throughout my day. It wasn’t overpowering like a bad spritz of cologne. It was just a hint of fragrance. I also noticed with the texture was pretty light and didn’t feel heavy or greasy at all; by day 3, I was actually applying more than the recommended dime-sized portion.
RELATED: Kit Harrington Is the Face of Jimmy Choo s First Men s Fragrance
Day three of my beard oil trial, I switched to a slightly heavier option made by Prospector Co. ($28; prospectorco.com). Smartly named after late 1800s nature essayist John Burroughs and his magnificent beard, the Prospector Co. Burroughs Beard Oil, would make its namesake proud, because this stuff is some outdoorsy, manly oil. I changed into a flannel shirt and used the dropper that comes with the bottle to place some drops into my hand and massage it into my beard. Immediately, I felt like I could chop down a tree and build a campfire if I wanted to. After just two days, I noticed that my beard was becoming softer and softer to the touch. Also, the skin around and under my beard was much less dry, which has often been a problem in New York City winters. I noticed one of the oils in Burroughs Beard Oil is organic argan oil, which is a moisturizer, and I was definitely noticing the effects.
RELATED: Gerard Butler on Manscaping, His Perfect Woman, and the Art of Smelling Irresistable
Finally to end my week of oil, I got to try the Cadillac of Beard Oils, Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil ($50; tomford.com). It retails for around $50 dollars a bottle, so if you want to feel like Jay Z and “rock Tom Ford,” this might actually be the cheapest way to do so. It’s the thickest oil of all the ones I tried, but it’s surprisingly light on the beard. What really makes Tom Ford’s beard oil special is the scent. It’s based off of Tom Ford’s cologne by the same name, “Tobacco Vanille.” The difference is that it’s blended with almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils. There s a sweetness to the scent but it s masculine at the same time, and right now it’s 7:20pm and I am bragging to my friends on G-chat that I can still smell it from my 7 am oil application this morning.
I don’t want readers to get the wrong idea about me. I’m not the annoying hipster dude who waxes his mustache into an ironic curl, or like Johnny Depp from this movie Mortdecai. I’m a simple man from the Midwest who doesn’t like shaving daily, wants to smell decent, and takes care of myself. I found the quick 20-second application each morning incredibly easy, and it also made a huge difference in my beard health and smell. I am definitely not the type who wants to add things to my morning routine, but beard oils: you are here to stay. I’m just sorry you weren’t there from day one.
PHOTOS: Men s Grooming Products You Should Swipe from Your Guy

A Look Back on the Most Memorable Fashion Moments from Season 2 of Orphan Black!

See All Photos Listen up, Clone Club! After a suspenseful and action-packed season, we are taking a look back at some of our favorite fashion moments! We have been so inspired by Sarah’s hairstyles, Cosima’s signature eye makeup, and all the unique looks of each clone. Another major talking point is the outfits that set them all apart and we found out where they shop!
Click through the gallery to see our top picks!

Found It! Eva Longoria s Wow-Worthy LWD

Leave it to Eva Longoria to take a basic summer staple like a little white dress and effectively turn it on its head. The Frontera actress stole the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival when she stepped out in a crepe, chiffon, and lace long-sleeve minidress by Three Floor with contrast panels (above). The U.K. label, which counts Emma Roberts, Miranda Cosgrove, and Amanda Seyfried among its fans (remember that dress from the 2013 MTV Movie Awards?), specializes in playful, artfully tailored designs like cut-out dresses with faux leather trims, asymmetric metallic crop tops, and satin and mesh pleated skirts.
If you re heading to a formal affair but still want to keep your outfit free-spirited and fun, we suggest taking a cue from Longoria and slipping on this attention-grabbing frock. The mix of nude and sheer paneling and lace and mesh seams combine to create an amount of coverage that is neither too much, nay too little. It s really no surprise that the La Blanc dress is designer Yvonne Hoang s favorite piece from the collection. It perfectly covers what s needed and flaunts what you’ve got, she told InStyle.com. It’s the perfect mix of sexy and playful—polished but with a hint of edge.
Want Longoria s edgy look for yourself? Pick up Three Floor s La Blanc Dress at threefloorfashion.com.
Plus, check out Eva Longoria s best looks ever in our gallery!

Are You a Joan, Betty, Peggy or Megan? Try On the Mad Men Stars Best Hairstyles to Find Out!

We all have that one character on Mad Men whose 60s-era bouffant we d love to recreate (and the actresses  real-life hairstyles are just as gorgeous as the mod-era looks they rock onscreen).  To celebrate the arrival of the show s 7th and final season on Sunday, we added each star s prettiest hairstyles to our Hollywood Makeover Tool, so you can see whose red carpet look flatters you best! Simply upload your picture to start, and you ll be able to see yourself in Christina Hendricks gorgeous bob, Elisabeth Moss effortless layers, January Jones retro-inspired waves, or Jessica Pare s sleek blowout no glam squad or salon visit required. Once you re finished, you can share your Mad Men hairstyle with your friends on Facebook and Twitter to see what they think, or upload your makeover to Instagram as a Makeovergram. Keep the look handy on your smartphone next time you visit the salon. You may just be tempted to make a more permanent change! Head over to our Hollywood Makeover Tool to get started now!

Beauty 911: Watch Elizabeth Banks Solve Hilarious Hair and Makeup Dilemmas

Happy Birthday, Julianne Hough! See How She s Transformed Into an International Star

See All Photos Happy Birthday, Julianne Hough! The dancer-actress-singer extraordinaire turns 26 today. The multifaceted beauty and two-time Dancing with the Stars champion rings in her birthday with some gorgeous new digs in the Hollywood Hills (housewarming party, anyone?), not to mention a wildly successful dancing tour with fellow dancer brother, Derek Hough.
After starring in flicks such as the Footloose remake, Safe Haven and Rock of Ages, the blonde bombshell is gearing up to light up the big screen yet again with her upcoming thriller Curve alongside Masters of Sex hottie Teddy Sears. Talk about a fantastic birthday year ahead!
From high-school heartbreaker to international star, see Hough s transformation through the years.

Happy 34th Birthday, Jessica Simpson! See the Star s Best Beauty Moments

See All Photos It s a big day for Jessica Simpson! The birthday girl, who recently got hitched to former NFL player Eric Johnson, turns 34 today. For years, we ve watched Simpson come into her own, climbing up the music charts and trying her hand at acting. Now, the blond bombshell is a happily married mother of two adorable kids: daughter Maxwell, 2, and son Ace, 1. In honor of her birthday, take a look back at Jessica Simpson s best beauty moments through the years, starting with this high school snapshot.

Shop the Banana Republic Marimekko Collection Now!

See All Photos The Banana Republic Marimekko Collection hits shelves today! Announced back in January, Marimekko—a Finnish fashion and design house known for its bold textiles—has created a 25-piece line for the retailer using a unique color palette and popping patterns. The print-happy collaboration has already been spotted on celebrities like Jamie Chung and Olivia Palermo (above, in the line s cropped polkadot pants).
The limited-edition women s capsule collection combines Banana Republic s iconic styles with Marimekko s signature textile designs and includes printed separates, tunics, maxidresses, a romper, and accessories like zippered clutches, ballet flats, and sandals. All are perfectly suited for the summer days ahead! Some of our favorites are the black and white polka-dot midi skirt, flowing blue maxidress, bright floral tailored shorts, and wear-with-everything ankle-strap leather sandals.
With fun prints and sleek styles, this line is sure to please lovers of both Banana Republic and Marimekko alike. Look for the full collection ($39 to $149) now in select Banana Republic stores and on bananarepublic.com.
See all the looks from the Banana Republic Marimekko collection in our gallery!

Cate Blanchett Finally Explains Why She Told Julia Roberts to #SuckIt During Her Oscars Speech

Spring Beauty Preview: Matchy-Matchy Makeup

From deliberately glam lips and tips at Zac Posen to a similar (albeit softer) bronze twinset at Giorgio Armani, doubling up was big on the catwalk. Many of the makeup looks coordinated not only with one another but also with a key shade in spring fashions. Hairstylist Kevin Ryan, for example, used leftover trim from all the cobalt pieces in the collection for hair ties that synched with equally bold blue nails at Reed Krakoff (below). For a similar look, wrap colored leather trim from a crafts store (try M&J Trimming s stitched leather cord $7/yard; mjtrim.com), around a ponytail loop. Knot it tight, and resist any impulse to tie a bow. You don t want it to look too precious, says Ryan.
RELATED: Will You Accept This Rose? Our Favorite Rose-Based Fragrances

You Won’t Want to Miss the 2014 H&M Design Award Winner’s First Collection

If you want to be one of the early wearers of one of the next big names in fashion, here s your chance. Starting next month, you can scoop up pieces from the first collection by 2014 H&M Design Award winner Eddy Anemian.
RELATED: See the First Full Looks from the Alexander Wang for H&M Collection
Anemian, a 24-year-old fourth-year student from La Cambre school in Brussels, Belgium, showed his collection along with seven other contestants at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Stockholm in January. A panel of judges that included fashion designer Erdem, actress Michelle Dockery, and H&M s head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson, chose him as the winner.
RELATED: 5 Reasons We re Excited About the World s Biggest H&M Opening in N.Y.C.
All of the judges fell in love with Eddy’s collection, both the romance of how it looks when it is worn, and the extraordinary skill of his work seen up close. He is a worthy winner, and a bright new star for fashion’s future, Johansson said. Anemian s 10-piece collection is made mostly of strips of fabrics, in many cases floral print, that have been sewn together into strong, structural pieces that appear to have the effect of marble. It is called They Can Cut All the Flowers, They Cannot Keep Spring from Coming, and was inspired by Tilda Swinton’s role in the movie I Am Love as well as French painter Ingres.
RELATED: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett Set to Star—and Duet—in H&M’s Holiday Campaign
In addition to selling pieces from his collection at H&M, Anemian also won €50,000, a welcome prize for the soon-to-be grad who dreams of one day having his own label. Anemian s collection will be available starting Oct. 23 at select H&M stores and on hm.com and will range from $30 to $349.
PHOTOS: Stars Wearing H&M

Margot Robbie Debuts a New Do On the Oscars Red Carpet

See All Photos She rolled in to the 2014 ceremony as a brunette, but for this year s Academy Awards, Margot Robbie has got a brand new bob! To complement her daring Saint Laurent Paris number, the star chopped her long layers into a shoulder-skimming lob. The star has been keeping her hairstylist busy over the past year not long after she went solid brunette, she shifted to a warm auburn hue over the summer, only to return to her trademark blonde. Paired with her statement red lip, we can t help but feel the Monroe-esque vibes, and if there s any event the star should channel her inner Marilyn, it s the Oscars!
See even more of the best red carpet looks from the 2015 Oscars in our gallery!
PHOTOS: See What Everyone Wore at the 2015 Oscars
Plus, let us know what you think of Robbie s new do by voting in the poll below.

Watch Miss America Get Crowned Tonight!

When it comes to real pageantry (pun intended), few shows beat the Miss America competition. Expect plenty of gowns and performances for this 2015 edition, hosted by Chris Harrison (host of The Bachelor ) and Lara Spencer from Good Morning America.
Though we ll be playing backseat judge from the comfort of our living rooms, the contestants will have to impress this panel: television producer and writer Marc Cherry; Super Bowl Champion and former Green Bay Packer Donald Driver; designer and former model Kathy Ireland; U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson; West Point graduate and senior Army aviator General Anne Macdonald; former Miss America Lee Meriwether, and CEO and author Gary Vaynerchuk.
Tune in at 8 PM ET tonight on ABC to see who wins!

Zendaya Can’t Stop Changing Her Hair! See Her Latest Style

Zendaya’s hair experiments continue! In what may be her coolest look yet, the 18-year-old sported faux dreadlocks for her first-ever Oscars appearance.
While the super long twists, which she paired with a stunning Vivienne Westwood gown and radiant makeup, were definitely an interesting choice for the big night, it’s not the only statement she’s made this awards season. In fact, the rising style star has been making us stop and stare all February long.

RELATED: Oscars 2015: How to Get Julianne Moore’s Winning Updo
First, the Disney darling debuted a fierce pixie at the 2015 Grammys and while we thought she looked fabulous, the cropped cut was only a temporary change. “I always wanted to cut my hair but I didn’t want to actually cut my hair, so we found this beautiful little thing here,” she told InStyle on the wig she wore on music’s biggest night. “So it’s basically like I got a haircut, but I get to take it off at the end of the day.”
Just days later, she was rocking sleek, Rapunzel-worthy strands for the Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection show during NYFW. We can t wait to see which hairstyle the versatile star will try next!
RELATED: Margot Robbie Debuts a New ‘Do On the Oscars Red Carpet

Get Ready for Keira Knightley This Awards Season! The Imitation Game Wins People s Choice at TIFF 2014

The buzz is on for The Imitation Game! This weekend, the Toronto International Film Festival handed out Grolsch People’s Choice award—the most prestigious prize of the fest—to the title starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, and Matthew Goode. It’s important because the honor is not decided on by a jury but voted on by the thousands of festival-goers, which implies how much audiences love it and also that more awards could be in the future (read: Oscars). History’s proof: Previous winners of the prize include last year’s 12 Years a Slave, as well as Silver Linings Playbook (2012), The King’s Speech (2010), Precious (2009), and Slumdog Millionaire (2008).
When we caught up with the stars of the film at InStyle and Forevermark’s pop-up portrait lounge, their focus was on telling the story right, and doing it justice. “I think everybody felt that it was an important story to get out and to be a part of it,” Knightley told us. She plays Joan Clarke, the fiancée of genius Brit mathematician Alan Turing (Cumberbatch), who together worked on the team that cracked Nazi codes to bring an end to World War II. The tragedy is that later in Turing’s life, the British government prosecuted him for being gay.
“This is a film about celebrating people’s differences, and the devastation that can happen when you allow prejudice into government policy,” Knightley added. “I think it’s more about discrimination that it is necessarily about a love story.”
For Cumberbatch, he researched the role by “scavenging books and getting any kind of personal testimony from anyone he knew who is still with us,” the actor told InStyle. “The more I discovered, the more I wanted to really pay homage to the integrity of the character. He’s a huge figure for the gay community because of being one of the most famous of hundreds of thousands of them who were persecuted in that era of McCarthyist paranoid intolerance and a desperately sad, sad, sad time in history.”
With wildly good early reviews and this new TIFF prize in their figurative pockets, we predict this is the cast to watch as awards season starts to kick up (and that means lot of outfits by the always-stylish Knightley, which we can not wait to see). But first, you must see the movie: The Imitation Game is set to open in select cities on Nov. 21.
Click to see who else stopped by InStyle’s portrait studio at the Toronto International Film Festival!