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2014's Most Talked About Entertainment Stories

Celebrities and entertainers alike had a busy year in 2014, from photos being leaked to what was the creation of the concept of "conscious uncoupling."

The year flew by, but not before giving pop culture enthusiasts plenty to talk about. So, here's a look back at 2014's most talked about stories in entertainment.

1. Celebrity Photo Leaks

Jennifer Lawrence (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

Every now and then, an entertainment story develops that doesn't affect just one or two celebrities, but the entire entertainment industry. When nude photos of more than 100 celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead leaked on the site Reddit at the end of the summer, almost everyone in Hollywood reacted. Jennifer Lawrence called for an FBI investigation while debates were held regarding whether the public should look at the photos or not. Being the largest hacking involving celebrities ever definitely puts this story at the top of the list.

2. Gwyneth Paltrow's 'Conscious Uncoupling'

Gwyneth Paltrow (Photo by Robyn Beck/Getty Images)

While many celebrities, like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, were walking down the aisle, one famous pair called it quits in the beginning of the year, and in the process, created a brand new concept that seems to have stuck. This year, actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin separated, and on her blog Goop, Paltrow referred to her separation as a practice in conscious uncoupling.  At that very moment explaining your break up to someone got a lot easier.

3. Bill Cosby Rape Allegations

Bill Cosby (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Bill Cosby (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Towards the end of 2014, a beloved comedian faced several allegations that may have potentially ruined his image and his legacy.  Comedian Bill Cosby was accused of rape and sexual assault by more than just a few women, including famous models Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson. As the year closes out, Cosby has yet to address the allegations, prompting many to believe he is guilty and networks like NBC and Netflix cancelling his upcoming projects.

4. Renee Zellweger's Plastic Surgery

Renee Zellweger (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

People try new looks every day; changing hair color, putting together new style, and trying new makeup palettes.  But this fall, one celebrity got more attention than bargained for when she debuted a new major change in her looks. Renee Zellweger stepped out on the red carpets looking dramatically different.  So different, in fact, that many began accusing the "Bridget Jones's Diary" actress of botched plastic surgery. For her part, Zellweger had nothing to offer, only saying that her new look was the result of being in a happier place. Let Zellweger be an example to all on the power of happiness.

5. Taylor Swift First Artist To Sell 1 Million Albums In 2014

Taylor Swift (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Music's most loved and hated artist came out on the winning side this year when she became the first artist of the year to sell more than one million albums in 2014. Taylor Swift managed to outsell every other musician this year in just one week. As if that wasn't enough, the blonde-haired songstress also managed to beat herself on the Billboard charts when her single "Shake It Off" lost its number one spot to Swift's second single "Blank Space." Whether you hate her or love her, you at least have to admit that Swift definitely deserves the respect of being a top-selling artist.

6. Tracy Morgan's Car Accident

Tracy Morgan (Photo by Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)

The year had its ups and downs, and one of those downs included comedian Tracy Morgan being involved in a car accident that left him in need of several surgeries, physical therapy, and possible brain damage. Morgan was severely injured and his friend/mentor James McNair was killed after a Wal-Mart tractor-trailer slammed into the back of Morgan's vehicle, causing a multi-vehicle accident that also involved an SUV and a second tractor-trailer. While this happened in early June, Morgan is still recovering and dealing with severe injuries.

For more on "2014 In Review" click here.

Shawn Thomas writes Entertainment & Lifestyle content for CBS Local. Follow him on Twitter.

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