christina applegate

In her moving op-ed yesterday, Angelina Jolie revealed that she had a preventive double mastectomy after learning she was at high risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Other women who might be at risk motivated the actress and activist to speak out about her private health decision. Angelina wrote: "Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people's hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness. But today it is possible to find out through a blood test whether you are highly susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer, and then take action."

As Angelina's message of prevention and empowerment spreads across the Internet, she's not the only famous woman to generously share her health struggles. Christina Applegate and Wanda Sykes have discussed mastectomies. Others like Beyoncé Knowles and Nicole Kidman sacrificed some privacy to add to the conversation about miscarriages, while women like Gwyneth Paltrow and Brooke Shields have helped increase acceptance of post-partum depression. Whether about mental illness, fertility struggles, or cancer, when recognised and accomplished celebrities open up, it helps raise awareness and understanding about the health issues that impact women. Read through for quotes from some of these brave women now.

In honour of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today being Pink Ribbon Day, we're paying tribute to some of the celebrities who fought the disease in a very public way. We applaud both the courage of these women and the efforts they have made in speaking out for the cause — some were followed by cameras to air their experiences, while others have established charitable organisations that actively promote breast cancer awareness. You can make a donation by visiting pinkribbonday.com.au.

Tuesday night's annual Crystal + Lucy Women in Film Awards brought out many of Hollywood's most famous leading ladies. Meryl Streep was on hand to award her good friend, The Help star Viola Davis, with the Excellence in Film statue. The 2012 award season saw no rivalry between Viola and The Iron Lady's Meryl — though Meryl won the Oscar, Viola took home a SAG Award. There's only love between the former Doubt costars, and Meryl praised Viola last night by calling her "a lion-hearted woman." Other ladies picking up honours were Christina Applegate and Chloe Moretz, who donned Max Mara for a Crystal + Lucy kickoff party on Sunday evening. Max Mara, a sponsor of the awards, outfitted many of the women on the carpet, including Viola, Meryl, Christina, and How I Met Your Mother's Cobie Smulders. Jenna Dewan-Tatum added more colour to the proceedings in a teal jumpsuit.

You know how it works: with every Best Dressed list, there’s a Worst Dressed to follow. And while there are some looks that are truly tragic, at least they keep things interesting — it would be a boring red carpet if everyone looked perfect! This list includes stars who are usually on form but suffered an Emmys slip up (Jennifer Garner, SJP) as well as some unfamiliar faces who let their gowns (or lack of) get all the attention. Remember to tune back in to Fab on Monday for all the 2011 red carpet action as it happens, but for now check out some of the worst Emmys dresses from years past!

The 2011 Emmy Awards are happening next Sunday night (Monday our time) and we're betting you're as eager as we are to see all of the red carpet action! In the meantime, let's rewind and feast our eyes on some dazzling gowns from Emmys past. Some longtime Fab Faves like Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Rose Byrne and Chloë Sevigny make cameos, alongside some not-so-obvious choices. Prepare to see some frothy, flowy gowns, as well as some sassy mini ones. It's all inside, so step this way to see our 25 best dressed picks!

The countdown is officially on! With only six sleeps until the 2011 Emmy Awards, we're hitting the rewind button to reminisce about beauty looks from years gone by. From the starlets of Gossip Girl and Glee to beauties from years gone by, we've seen more than a few gorgeous red carpet moments. Sure there were some misses mixed sparingly throughout the bunch, but nine times out of 10, most stars look absolutely stunning at the Emmys. Check out 15 stars who sparkled at TV's biggest event.