George Clooney modeled a three-piece suit and talked candidly with LA Times Magazine's contributing editor John Horn for the publication's December issue. The actor opened up about humanitarian issues close to his heart as well as his future Hollywood plans. George covers his face in a portrait featured inside the edition, but it's his star power that's helping raise awareness about ongoing human-rights violations in the Sudan. The fun-loving actor, who was recently off in Cabo partying with his girlfriend Stacy Keibler and pal Alex Rodriguez, kept the conversation somber and serious as he described the genocide taking place. Here's more from George's interview with LA Times Magazine:

• George on using his power to make a difference: : "I’m here to represent the voices of people who cannot speak for themselves. . . My job is to come here today and beg you on behalf of the millions of people who will die. . . This genocide will be on your watch. How you deal with it will be your legacy—your Rwanda, your Cambodia, your Auschwitz."
• George on political aspirations: "I’m not getting in politics. . . I have no interest — because of the compromises you have to make."
• George on his career plans: "I’m less and less interested in seeing myself onscreen, honestly, I feel like I’ve done a lot of stuff [as an actor]. I really haven’t done that as a director. Directing is infinitely more creative, and writing is more fun.”

Rachel Zoe paid a visit to Piperlime's Piping Hot Lounge in NYC yesterday. The afternoon event was organized so that Rachel could show off some of the "Piping Hot Picks" she selected for the online retailer. Rachel selected bags and shoes, and the latter category is one in which she has a great deal of authority. Rachel received the footwear new launch of the year award on Tuesday night, as did her friend and fellow designer Brian Atwood.

Joining the superstylist at Piperlime was Molly Sims, who was decked out in the Cheryl coat from the Rachel Zoe Collection. Molly's back in the Big Apple after a fun Thanksgiving spent in Cabo with husband Scott Stuber and their pals George Clooney and Stacy Keibler. Molly has been out and about, chatting up her new series, Project Accessory, and, in a recent interview, revealed her style icon. Molly admires Sarah Jessica Parker's look and said, "I love that she'll wear a great dress on and then put on a crazy Philip Treacy hat. She's never safe, but she always keeps it ladylike. She's not the kind of risk-taker that'll show her butt crack."

Tom Cruise waved to fans and soaked in the excitement at today's Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol event in Tokyo. He was joined by costar Paula Patton, and the two were surrounded by enormous action-packed pictures of Tom from the film. Missing from the action was Jeremy Renner, who may have recently gotten himself in some hot water with his latest statements about taking over the MI franchise from Tom. In the past, it was reported that this would be Tom's final film in the series and Jeremy would be the new leading man, but at a recent press day, Renner implied otherwise.

Jeremy told Extra, "I don’t think that’s really ever a possibility. I think the possibility, first and foremost, is for audiences to receive this movie and like it, want to see more. And then it’s Tom’s willingness to want to do another one, to put together another big movie like this. These aren’t easy to put together. So if Paramount and Tom want me to do it, I’d be happy to be a part of it. I’d be up for it . . . assuming my character doesn’t croak. I’m not going to tell ya!" With Ghost Protocol coming out Dec. 21, we'll see how Ethan Hunt fares this time around, though it sounds like the door is open for even more of Tom's iconic character in our future.

The 2011 Grammy award nominations were announced last night in LA during a live televised concert performance. Kanye West took top honors with seven nods, and not far behind was soulful singer Adele with six. Popular artists Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift were also among those recognized — see BuzzSugar's entire list of Grammy award nominees! Lady Gaga, who is up for album of the year, best pop solo performance, and best pop vocal album, opened and closed the show with two of her hot tracks. Usher, Ludacris, and best new artist contender The Band Perry also performed while Katy, Nicki, and other popular musicians announced the nominees. The Grammy awards take place in LA on Feb. 12, and hopefully, ailing singer Adele will be fully recovered from recent throat surgery to take part in the show.