Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Daniel Day-Lewis appeared in London last night at the world premiere of the Hollywood movie "Nine."

The musical also stars Kate Hudson, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Marion Cotillard and singer Fergie.

Director Rob Marshall said at the premiere that he was delighted with the number of leading stars who showed an interest in the film. He also said he was pleasantly surprised by the singing and dancing abilities of Day-Lewis and Hudson.

OPRAH'S ARMY DESCENDS ON WHITE HOUSE

Oprah and Obama, teamed up again.

The billionaire talk-show host descended on the White House yesterday, accompanied by a giant array of personnel and equipment, to interview President Obama for her upcoming prime-time Christmas special.

In addition to a solo interview with the president, Winfrey had a joint conversation with the president and his wife, Michelle, and filmed a tour of the White House holiday decorations for their first year in office.

ALARM INTERRUPTS WONDER'S U.N. SPEECH

Stevie Wonder had a hotter debut yesterday as a U.N. peace envoy than he expected. The singer-songwriter was in the middle of his acceptance speech as a prestigious Messenger of Peace and advocate for the world's estimated 650 million people with disabilities when a fire alarm went off in the basement conference room at U.N. headquarters in New York.

After six long alarm blasts, Wonder cracked: "I'm trying to figure out a new melody!"

After a series of security precautions, an all-clear was given and Wonder's previously scheduled press conference went off without a hitch.