Contends movie star is inspiring (4)
I believe the answer is:
vies
'contends' is the definition.
('vie' can be a synonym of 'contend')
'movie star is inspiring' is the wordplay.
'is inspiring' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (the clue has breathed in or 'inspired' the answer).
'VIES' is hidden in the letters of 'movie star'.
(Other definitions for vies that I've seen before include "Strives with, rivals" , "Competes, carries on rivalry" , "Contends" , "Struggles" .)