Before you fall into a fan theory wormhole, just know: This could mean many things. Buzzfeed’s Ryan Broderick pointed out on Twitter this week that “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin looked a lot like show star Kit Harington when he was younger. wanna see something wicked fucked up? pic.twitter.com/4dqlNmfe9C — Ryan Broderick (@broderick) August 24, 2017 And it’s freaking everyone out. Also Read: Watch Michael Bolton (of House Bolton) Sing Retro 'Game of Thrones' Theme (Video) How has nobody replied with this gif yet?? pic.twitter.com/YgbVeR0xRp — Nina Metz (@Nina_Metz) August 24, 2017 pic.
- 8/25/2017
- by Carli Velocci
- The Wrap
Patti Labelle has made a name for herself as a pie maven, but the legendary singer has to balance her love of sweets with type 2 diabetes.
After being diagnosed in 1994 following an onstage collapse, Labelle turned to her hobby of cooking—even while on tour—to get her diet back on track. “Taking my pots and pans on the road was the best thing I could have done because I could control what I put in my food and avoid all the things that aren’t good for diabetes,” the 73-year-old singer tells People in the latest issue, on newsstands now.
After being diagnosed in 1994 following an onstage collapse, Labelle turned to her hobby of cooking—even while on tour—to get her diet back on track. “Taking my pots and pans on the road was the best thing I could have done because I could control what I put in my food and avoid all the things that aren’t good for diabetes,” the 73-year-old singer tells People in the latest issue, on newsstands now.
- 7/7/2017
- by Shay Spence
- PEOPLE.com
Throughout her life Patti Labelle has cultivated two passions: singing—which has led to an iconic music career spanning more than five decades—and cooking, which has ushered in a new chapter for her.
Though she released her first cookbook in 1999, her culinary career hit the next level in 2015 when her Walmart sweet potato pies became an instant sensation, thanks in part to YouTuber James Wright Chanel’s viral ode to them.
“Whenever I’d make pies at home, people would just go crazy and would ask for more. So I said, ‘I know this is right, and I think...
Though she released her first cookbook in 1999, her culinary career hit the next level in 2015 when her Walmart sweet potato pies became an instant sensation, thanks in part to YouTuber James Wright Chanel’s viral ode to them.
“Whenever I’d make pies at home, people would just go crazy and would ask for more. So I said, ‘I know this is right, and I think...
- 7/6/2017
- by Shay Spence
- PEOPLE.com
Patti Labelle doesn't call herself a diva these days because "all these little heifers who can't sing are called divas," but the soul singer/pie maker/American Horror Story alum is back to reclaim the title in VH1’s latest installment of Divas.
Along with goddaughter Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams and Pharrell protégé Teyana Taylor, Patti -- we go by divas’ first names here -- will bring the divadom during VH1's benefit concert for the Save the Music Foundation, a special holiday-themed edition called Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night. (The show premieres Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. Et.)
More: 'Mariah's World' Recap: Mariah Carey Recalls 'Great Moments' With James Packer
When the concert series first launched in 1998, the lineup was the stuff of dreams. Mariah, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain and Aretha Franklin with special guest Carole King embodied every meaning of the word diva in lauded performance after performance. During its 11 iterations...
Along with goddaughter Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams and Pharrell protégé Teyana Taylor, Patti -- we go by divas’ first names here -- will bring the divadom during VH1's benefit concert for the Save the Music Foundation, a special holiday-themed edition called Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night. (The show premieres Dec. 5 at 9 p.m. Et.)
More: 'Mariah's World' Recap: Mariah Carey Recalls 'Great Moments' With James Packer
When the concert series first launched in 1998, the lineup was the stuff of dreams. Mariah, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain and Aretha Franklin with special guest Carole King embodied every meaning of the word diva in lauded performance after performance. During its 11 iterations...
- 12/5/2016
- Entertainment Tonight
NBC’s next big musical event is about a musical superstar — and they’ve already got a musical superstar in the cast.
Jennifer Lopez will star in the network’s live production of the beloved musical Bye Bye Birdie — entitled Bye Bye Birdie Live! — NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced at a Paley Center event on Thursday. Birdie will be the network’s 2017 live holiday event, following this year’s Hairspray Live! (airing Dec. 7); Lopez will play Rosie, the role that earned Chita Rivera a Tony nomination during the original Broadway run. (Harvey Fierstein will write the teleplay adaptation.)
VideosHairspray Live!
Jennifer Lopez will star in the network’s live production of the beloved musical Bye Bye Birdie — entitled Bye Bye Birdie Live! — NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt announced at a Paley Center event on Thursday. Birdie will be the network’s 2017 live holiday event, following this year’s Hairspray Live! (airing Dec. 7); Lopez will play Rosie, the role that earned Chita Rivera a Tony nomination during the original Broadway run. (Harvey Fierstein will write the teleplay adaptation.)
VideosHairspray Live!
- 10/28/2016
- TVLine.com
John Oliver brought together music artists Usher, Michael Bolton, and Cyndi Lauper to perform a new song that asks politicians to stop using their music for campaigns — during Last Week Tonight on Sunday. John Oliver Unites Usher, Michael Bolton & Cyndi Lauper Oliver spoke to the audience about Donald Trump using Queen’s song “We […]
The post John Oliver Invites Usher, Michael Bolton & Cyndi Lauper Sing To Ask Politicians To Stop Using Their Music appeared first on uInterview.
The post John Oliver Invites Usher, Michael Bolton & Cyndi Lauper Sing To Ask Politicians To Stop Using Their Music appeared first on uInterview.
- 7/26/2016
- by Shantel Whitaker
- Uinterview
Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis hit the stage with Jimmy Fallon to perform a hilarious rendition of Reo Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” on Thursday’s Tonight Show. Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis Perform ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling’ “Would you do a number for us now?” Fallon asked Forte. “I know Jason’s not here, but could […]
The post Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis Sing A Duet On ‘The Tonight Show’ With Jimmy Fallon appeared first on uInterview.
The post Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis Sing A Duet On ‘The Tonight Show’ With Jimmy Fallon appeared first on uInterview.
- 6/25/2016
- by Shantel Whitaker
- Uinterview
When it comes to cultural impact, mega-sales and drama, this year’s Best Original Song category at the Academy Awards is going to have an awfully difficult time competing with last year’s category.
The 2013 winner, you might remember, was “Let It Go,” the anthem from “Frozen” that became a hit around the world and spawned a zillion amateur YouTube renditions.
See photos: 15 Movies You Already Forgot About: TheWrap’s Best & Worst 2014 (Photos)
And “Let It Go” was joined as a nominee by another song that was so ubiquitous that most sentient human beings got sick of hearing it before the Oscars – Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,...
The 2013 winner, you might remember, was “Let It Go,” the anthem from “Frozen” that became a hit around the world and spawned a zillion amateur YouTube renditions.
See photos: 15 Movies You Already Forgot About: TheWrap’s Best & Worst 2014 (Photos)
And “Let It Go” was joined as a nominee by another song that was so ubiquitous that most sentient human beings got sick of hearing it before the Oscars – Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,...
- 12/23/2014
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Let me (briefly) be your star!
“Bombshell,” the musical at the heart of Smash Season 1, is heading to Broadway – for one night only.
Per BroadwayWorld.com, The Actors Fund has confirmed that Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will produce a benefit performance of the Marilyn Monroe-centric opus on June 15, 2015.
Playbill says that Megan Hilty, among other Smash cast members, is expected to participate in the one-night-only staging, which will include all 22 songs from Smash‘s show-within-a-show.
Tickets will go on sale in early 2015; check ActorsFund.org for updates.
Related storiesIt's Official: Smash Is Broadway-BoundRatings: Survivor Finale Tops Night, Sing-Off Slips,...
“Bombshell,” the musical at the heart of Smash Season 1, is heading to Broadway – for one night only.
Per BroadwayWorld.com, The Actors Fund has confirmed that Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will produce a benefit performance of the Marilyn Monroe-centric opus on June 15, 2015.
Playbill says that Megan Hilty, among other Smash cast members, is expected to participate in the one-night-only staging, which will include all 22 songs from Smash‘s show-within-a-show.
Tickets will go on sale in early 2015; check ActorsFund.org for updates.
Related storiesIt's Official: Smash Is Broadway-BoundRatings: Survivor Finale Tops Night, Sing-Off Slips,...
- 12/18/2014
- TVLine.com
Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have signed a new deal.
Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are signing on to work with the Shubert Organization.
According to the New York Times, the producers have inked a three- year development and production deal with the Shubert Organization, a theatrical producing organization and owner of major theaters in Manhattan, New York.
Look no further than their company website for Storyline Entertainment to see how much the duo has accomplished. They "have earned a total of six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, 13 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a Grammy Award, five GLAAD Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and two Tony Awards with their various feature films, television and theater projects."
The two have made many Broadway productions come to life on screen as films including Annie, Hairspray and Chicago.
News: Broadway Stars Sing Carole King
Their productions also include television versions of Broadway shows, [link...
Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are signing on to work with the Shubert Organization.
According to the New York Times, the producers have inked a three- year development and production deal with the Shubert Organization, a theatrical producing organization and owner of major theaters in Manhattan, New York.
Look no further than their company website for Storyline Entertainment to see how much the duo has accomplished. They "have earned a total of six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, 13 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a Grammy Award, five GLAAD Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and two Tony Awards with their various feature films, television and theater projects."
The two have made many Broadway productions come to life on screen as films including Annie, Hairspray and Chicago.
News: Broadway Stars Sing Carole King
Their productions also include television versions of Broadway shows, [link...
- 10/25/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch earlier this evening (February 22) with "12 Years a Slave" continuing to make waves snagging the biggest prize of the night.
Before her film won Outstanding Motion Picture, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o added another piece of hardware to her already impressive collection taking home a trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Kerry Washington snagged up her second Image Award with a win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series. Kerry's show "Scandal" also won Outstanding Drama Series.
In addition, the hilarious Kevin Hart took home Entertainer of the Year, while Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a touching speech and musical dedication.
"He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he's been through," Winfrey said.
Before her film won Outstanding Motion Picture, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o added another piece of hardware to her already impressive collection taking home a trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, while Kerry Washington snagged up her second Image Award with a win for Best Actress in a Dramatic Series. Kerry's show "Scandal" also won Outstanding Drama Series.
In addition, the hilarious Kevin Hart took home Entertainer of the Year, while Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela with a touching speech and musical dedication.
"He was everything we have all have heard and more. He was humble and he was unscathed by any kind of bitterness after all that we know he's been through," Winfrey said.
- 2/23/2014
- GossipCenter
The Academy Awards are set to soar next month, now that Pink is making a special appearance. "We are very excited to welcome Pink to the Oscar stage for the first time," producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement on Friday. "We are thrilled to have her join us for a highly anticipated moment on the broadcast." The "Just Give Me a Reason" singer, who Tweeted "#holycow" when she shared the big news, isn't the only big name singing at the Oscars for the first time - Bette Midler, who's been nominated for an Oscar twice and served as a presenter,...
- 2/21/2014
- by K.C. Blumm
- PEOPLE.com
Adding their picks to the awards season deluge, the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards unveiled the official list of nominees.
Not surprisingly, “The Butler” will compete in categories including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor & Actress and Writing.
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s “Scandal” is up for Outstanding Drama Series, and Ms. Washington herself received a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock gushed, “This has been an incredible year from the artistic community, with phenomenal contributions across the board from the music, television, motion picture, and literature genres that have the power and impact to drive social change.”
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will go live on Friday, February 21st.
And the nominees are:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"House of Lies" (Showtime)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
"The Game" (Bet)
"The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in...
Not surprisingly, “The Butler” will compete in categories including Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actor & Actress and Writing.
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s “Scandal” is up for Outstanding Drama Series, and Ms. Washington herself received a nod for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock gushed, “This has been an incredible year from the artistic community, with phenomenal contributions across the board from the music, television, motion picture, and literature genres that have the power and impact to drive social change.”
The 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards will go live on Friday, February 21st.
And the nominees are:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"House of Lies" (Showtime)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Real Husbands of Hollywood" (Bet)
"The Game" (Bet)
"The Soul Man" (TV Land)
Outstanding Actor in...
- 1/10/2014
- GossipCenter
James Irwin returned to the stage after a lackluster performance last season, determined to turn at least one judge’s chair. But with R.E.M’s ‘Losing My Religion’ he blew away all four!
Last season, James Irwin made his debut on The Voice with a performance that didn’t exactly wow the judges, but Shakira gave him some sage advice about second (and third) chances that made him want to come back and give it another go.
James Irwin Wows With R.E.M’s ‘Losing My Religion’
On season four of The Voice, James had us all emotional with his heart-wrenching story about losing his twin daughters, just moments after they were born. He came back for season five on Oct. 1 with his wife and baby son, determined to make his family proud and win the judges over, saying last time, “I didn’t give them the best version of myself.
Last season, James Irwin made his debut on The Voice with a performance that didn’t exactly wow the judges, but Shakira gave him some sage advice about second (and third) chances that made him want to come back and give it another go.
James Irwin Wows With R.E.M’s ‘Losing My Religion’
On season four of The Voice, James had us all emotional with his heart-wrenching story about losing his twin daughters, just moments after they were born. He came back for season five on Oct. 1 with his wife and baby son, determined to make his family proud and win the judges over, saying last time, “I didn’t give them the best version of myself.
- 10/2/2013
- by jordannhl
- HollywoodLife
Seth MacFarlane fairly accurately predicts today’s headlines
85th Academy Awards
Hosted by Seth MacFarlane
Produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
Directed by Don Mischer
Aired Sunday, Feb. 24th at 8:30pm (Et) on ABC
It’s fairly well-established tradition at this point that viewers love to trash the Oscars: the nominees, the winners, the speeches, the ceremony. It’s an easy target, especially for cinephiles. Coming to any sort of consensus with as large a group as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (which has over 6,000 members) almost by definition means more challenging, controversial, or niche films will be overlooked in favor of more broadly appealing fare. It’s to be expected and yet an inordinate amount of movie lovers, both in and out of the industry, seem to get worked up year after year, somehow holding onto the notion that the Oscars actually represent the definitive best in cinema,...
85th Academy Awards
Hosted by Seth MacFarlane
Produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
Directed by Don Mischer
Aired Sunday, Feb. 24th at 8:30pm (Et) on ABC
It’s fairly well-established tradition at this point that viewers love to trash the Oscars: the nominees, the winners, the speeches, the ceremony. It’s an easy target, especially for cinephiles. Coming to any sort of consensus with as large a group as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (which has over 6,000 members) almost by definition means more challenging, controversial, or niche films will be overlooked in favor of more broadly appealing fare. It’s to be expected and yet an inordinate amount of movie lovers, both in and out of the industry, seem to get worked up year after year, somehow holding onto the notion that the Oscars actually represent the definitive best in cinema,...
- 2/25/2013
- by Kate Kulzick
- SoundOnSight
Good evening, Digital Spy readers, and welcome to the 85th Academy Awards!
We may not quite be coming to you live from the Dolby Theatre in sunny Los Angeles, but we've re-adjusted our body clocks to Pacific Time and will be bringing you up-to-the-minute commentary from this year's Oscars from now until sunrise.
If you're in need of a refresher before the ceremony begins, you can peruse our full list of this year's nominees, check out our predictions video to see who we're tipping for the big wins tonight, and see who Digital Spy readers voted for in the big three categories.
And for that inevitable moment when the Academy makes a decision that leaves you fuming, why not keep our Alternative Oscars handy to soothe your bile?
04:47Top on our list of impossible, ridiculous Oscar wishes: Joaquin Phoenix to win Best Actor for The Master. It's never gonna happen,...
We may not quite be coming to you live from the Dolby Theatre in sunny Los Angeles, but we've re-adjusted our body clocks to Pacific Time and will be bringing you up-to-the-minute commentary from this year's Oscars from now until sunrise.
If you're in need of a refresher before the ceremony begins, you can peruse our full list of this year's nominees, check out our predictions video to see who we're tipping for the big wins tonight, and see who Digital Spy readers voted for in the big three categories.
And for that inevitable moment when the Academy makes a decision that leaves you fuming, why not keep our Alternative Oscars handy to soothe your bile?
04:47Top on our list of impossible, ridiculous Oscar wishes: Joaquin Phoenix to win Best Actor for The Master. It's never gonna happen,...
- 2/24/2013
- Digital Spy
After a mind-blowing first round of play-offs on The Voice Monday, the celebrity coaches gave more mixed reviews on Tuesday's show.
After opening with a group performance of My Chemical Romance's "Sing," Christina Aguilera's and Cee Lo Green's singers took the stage for their solos.
Devyn DeLoera and Diego Val strived to give it their all, but ultimately fell short. Team Christina's DeLoera hoped to show viewers her softer side with a rendition of Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love," but her vocals did little to convince the coaches that she had more than one singing style. Team...
After opening with a group performance of My Chemical Romance's "Sing," Christina Aguilera's and Cee Lo Green's singers took the stage for their solos.
Devyn DeLoera and Diego Val strived to give it their all, but ultimately fell short. Team Christina's DeLoera hoped to show viewers her softer side with a rendition of Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love," but her vocals did little to convince the coaches that she had more than one singing style. Team...
- 11/8/2012
- by Julia Haskins
- People.com - TV Watch
After a mind-blowing first round of play-offs on The Voice Monday, the celebrity coaches gave more mixed reviews on Tuesday's show. After opening with a group performance of My Chemical Romance's "Sing," Christina Aguilera's and Cee Lo Green's singers took the stage for their solos. Devyn DeLoera and Diego Val strived to give it their all, but ultimately fell short. Team Christina's DeLoera hoped to show viewers her softer side with a rendition of Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love," but her vocals did little to convince the coaches that she had more than one singing style. Team...
- 11/8/2012
- by Julia Haskins
- PEOPLE.com
If you made it through last night's election coverage, what's five hours of "The Voice" in one week? Just kidding -- it's definitely way too fucking much Carson and Sprint Skybox.
But, we're quickly cutting down the competition. Now it's Team Christina and Team Cee Lo's time to take the stage live for the first time and Thursday, each team of five will be whittled down to three -- two chosen by America and another saved by their coadge.
There seemed to be more energy with Cee Lo and Teen's teams, which is probably fitting for the coadges they represent. Plus, Purrfect made her return, we learned "The Voice's" wardrobe team has a Twitter account and Nicholas David shaved -- or maybe that's just wishful thinking.
First, the ever observant Carson compliments XTeens on her patriotic outfit -- well, really, hair. "I guess I didn't think about that, but Ok,...
But, we're quickly cutting down the competition. Now it's Team Christina and Team Cee Lo's time to take the stage live for the first time and Thursday, each team of five will be whittled down to three -- two chosen by America and another saved by their coadge.
There seemed to be more energy with Cee Lo and Teen's teams, which is probably fitting for the coadges they represent. Plus, Purrfect made her return, we learned "The Voice's" wardrobe team has a Twitter account and Nicholas David shaved -- or maybe that's just wishful thinking.
First, the ever observant Carson compliments XTeens on her patriotic outfit -- well, really, hair. "I guess I didn't think about that, but Ok,...
- 11/8/2012
- by Jaimie Etkin
- Aol TV.
Rock of Ages, spawned from the Broadway production, carries us along through what is ultimately the same old story, just with a lot more hair. It has an impressive cast, and showcases them as much as possible, but the heart of the matter boils down to a young woman who wants to make it to the big time. As with nearly all such stories, our heroine, Sherrie (Julianne Hough), has her luggage stolen at just the right place and at just the right time. This naturally translates into a great excuse for her to meet Drew (Diego Boneta), who works at the coolest rock bar there ever was, and is in good with the owner, Dennis (Alec Baldwin).
The pair begin falling for each other, all while a complex web of movements aimed at keeping said bar open whirl around them, but things are never that simple. We need a...
The pair begin falling for each other, all while a complex web of movements aimed at keeping said bar open whirl around them, but things are never that simple. We need a...
- 11/2/2012
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
When we first saw Rock of Ages, we called it “mix tape tribute” to an age of rebellion, outlandish outfits and over indulgence. The movie’s gags mocked the laughable qualities of the 80s, while respecting the songs that made the decade memorable. Outside of a surprising and intimate scene between Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin, the humor lagged into monotony. This film was all about remixing rock history. The Rock of Ages Extended Edition Blu-ray brings the litany of boob and crotch jokes home with several bonus features – most of which are more interesting to watch than the movie’s story.
In Rock of Ages, Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) moves to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a singer. Alec Baldwin as club owner Dennis Dupree quickly dashes her hopes, but gives her a job at his club – the last bastion of Rock on the Sunset Blvd strip. Soon...
In Rock of Ages, Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) moves to Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a singer. Alec Baldwin as club owner Dennis Dupree quickly dashes her hopes, but gives her a job at his club – the last bastion of Rock on the Sunset Blvd strip. Soon...
- 10/18/2012
- by Bags Hooper
- BuzzFocus.com
Here is last week's caption pic winner. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"I am always prepared if a cute guy wants to give me his number."
Thanks to chronomaxx for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Ben Cohen (above) is 34, Andrew Lincoln is 39, Tommy Lee Jones is 66, Tom Hardy is 35, Dave Annable is 33, Jennifer Tilly is 54, Richard Marx is 49, Molly Shannon is 48, and Amy Winehouse would have been 29. Jesse L. Martin is joining the cast of Smash, as a theater company artistic director who may become involved with Debra Messing's character. In ratings news, Glee's move to Thursday was down 13% from last season’s opener, but was up 14% from last season's finale. Plus it...
Thanks to everyone for participating! The winner is ...
"I am always prepared if a cute guy wants to give me his number."
Thanks to chronomaxx for this week's winning caption!
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Ben Cohen (above) is 34, Andrew Lincoln is 39, Tommy Lee Jones is 66, Tom Hardy is 35, Dave Annable is 33, Jennifer Tilly is 54, Richard Marx is 49, Molly Shannon is 48, and Amy Winehouse would have been 29. Jesse L. Martin is joining the cast of Smash, as a theater company artistic director who may become involved with Debra Messing's character. In ratings news, Glee's move to Thursday was down 13% from last season’s opener, but was up 14% from last season's finale. Plus it...
- 9/14/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Shailene Woodley, Brett Ratner, Susan Sarandon, Olivia Wilde, and EW’s own film critic Lisa Schwarzbaum are among the 39 jurors taking part in this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, which kicks off on Wednesday.
“We are honored to have this accomplished group dedicate the time and care it takes to view and discuss the films in competition this year,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Festival, in a statement.
The juries will award $175,000 in the six categories of World Narrative, World Documentary, Best New Narrative Director, Best New Documentary Director, Narrative Short Film Competition, and Documentary and Student Short Film Competition.
“We are honored to have this accomplished group dedicate the time and care it takes to view and discuss the films in competition this year,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Festival, in a statement.
The juries will award $175,000 in the six categories of World Narrative, World Documentary, Best New Narrative Director, Best New Documentary Director, Narrative Short Film Competition, and Documentary and Student Short Film Competition.
- 4/16/2012
- by Michelle Profis
- EW - Inside Movies
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: May 22, 2012
Price: DVD $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo $39.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Another movie about the Tuskee Airmen (after 1995′s The Tuskegee Airmen), Red Tails stars Cuba Gooding Jr. (Boys N the Hood) and Terrence Howard (The Ledge).
The film tells the story of the first African-American combat unit to serve in World War II. As the squadron of pilots are given the chance to prove themselves in the sky, they must still battle discrimination on the ground.
Rated PG-13, Red Tails was directed by Anthony Hemingway, his first feature film after helming episodes of CSI: NY, Treme and other TV shows. Kevin Phillips (Mama, I Want to Sing), David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees) also star.
The action film, which was executive produced by Star Wars‘ George Lucas, didn’t score well with critics,...
Price: DVD $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo $39.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Another movie about the Tuskee Airmen (after 1995′s The Tuskegee Airmen), Red Tails stars Cuba Gooding Jr. (Boys N the Hood) and Terrence Howard (The Ledge).
The film tells the story of the first African-American combat unit to serve in World War II. As the squadron of pilots are given the chance to prove themselves in the sky, they must still battle discrimination on the ground.
Rated PG-13, Red Tails was directed by Anthony Hemingway, his first feature film after helming episodes of CSI: NY, Treme and other TV shows. Kevin Phillips (Mama, I Want to Sing), David Oyelowo (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) and Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees) also star.
The action film, which was executive produced by Star Wars‘ George Lucas, didn’t score well with critics,...
- 3/29/2012
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Tonight on Smash (NBC, 10/9c), Karen gets in bed with Derek — but not in the way that you think. And not entirely wittingly.
NBC’s Smash Is Renewed for Season 2 – Minus One Key Player
This week’s episode, “The Coup,” revolves around the aftermath of the workshop staging of Marilyn: The Musical, which… could have gone better. Believing the production needs a shot in the arm, Derek — as the title suggests — recruits Karen to help him “steal” the musical from songwriters Tom and Julia.
To that end, and as seen in the promos, Derek asks Karen to perform a new song written by someone else,...
NBC’s Smash Is Renewed for Season 2 – Minus One Key Player
This week’s episode, “The Coup,” revolves around the aftermath of the workshop staging of Marilyn: The Musical, which… could have gone better. Believing the production needs a shot in the arm, Derek — as the title suggests — recruits Karen to help him “steal” the musical from songwriters Tom and Julia.
To that end, and as seen in the promos, Derek asks Karen to perform a new song written by someone else,...
- 3/26/2012
- by Alyse Whitney
- TVLine.com
Wednesday’s installment of American Idol was supposed to focus on Songs From the Year the Contestants Were Born, but in some cases, it felt more like Opposites Day: Steven Tyler woke up from a very long nap and started doling out crotchety critiques. Jennifer Lopez tried to give songwriting lessons (¡ay dios mio!) to Bonnie Raitt. And more than half of this week’s contestants picked songs that were not intially released in the years of their birth. Why the face?
In other news, Ryan Seacrest tried to make a pun about dreadlocks, while failing to recognize that’s...
In other news, Ryan Seacrest tried to make a pun about dreadlocks, while failing to recognize that’s...
- 3/15/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012
Price: DVD $22.98, Blu-ray $29.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones’ (Chicago) last movie before she took a three-year hiatus, The Rebound was released in theaters overseas in 2009 but didn’t make it out in the U.S. until this disc release in 2012.
In the romantic comedy, Zeta-Jones stars as thirtysomething Sandy, who discovers her husband has been cheating on her. After moving herself and her two young children from the suburbs into New York, she meets twentysomething Aram (Justin Bartha, The Hangover Part II), a local coffee shop employee whose married to a woman who needed a green card. Sandy and Aram strike up a friendship that evolves into… well, you know. But the question quickly pops up of whether their relationship is real or a rebound.
Written and directed by Bart Freundlich (Trust the Man), the film also features John Schneider...
Price: DVD $22.98, Blu-ray $29.99
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones’ (Chicago) last movie before she took a three-year hiatus, The Rebound was released in theaters overseas in 2009 but didn’t make it out in the U.S. until this disc release in 2012.
In the romantic comedy, Zeta-Jones stars as thirtysomething Sandy, who discovers her husband has been cheating on her. After moving herself and her two young children from the suburbs into New York, she meets twentysomething Aram (Justin Bartha, The Hangover Part II), a local coffee shop employee whose married to a woman who needed a green card. Sandy and Aram strike up a friendship that evolves into… well, you know. But the question quickly pops up of whether their relationship is real or a rebound.
Written and directed by Bart Freundlich (Trust the Man), the film also features John Schneider...
- 1/18/2012
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Feb. 14, 2012
Price: DVD Tba
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Musical movie Mama, I Want To Sing is based on the off-Broadway hit play by Vy Higginsen.
The film stars multi-platinum-selling artist Ciara as Amara, a young gospel singer who dreams of pop stardom, naturally. Discovered by agents, Amara is swept away from her tight-knit community for recording sessions and television appearances.
As she pursues her music career, however, Amara’s relationship with her preacher mother (Lynn Whitfield, The Women) is strained, as her mother wants her to stay grounded. As she navigates the often treacherous world of celebrity and still remain true to herself and her family, Amara turns to her father (Marvin Winans, TV’s House of Payne) and Sister Carrie (Patti Labelle, Semi-Pro) for support.
Rated PG, Mama, I Want To Sing also stars Billy Zane (Sniper Reloaded), Hill Harper (For Colored Girls...
Price: DVD Tba
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Musical movie Mama, I Want To Sing is based on the off-Broadway hit play by Vy Higginsen.
The film stars multi-platinum-selling artist Ciara as Amara, a young gospel singer who dreams of pop stardom, naturally. Discovered by agents, Amara is swept away from her tight-knit community for recording sessions and television appearances.
As she pursues her music career, however, Amara’s relationship with her preacher mother (Lynn Whitfield, The Women) is strained, as her mother wants her to stay grounded. As she navigates the often treacherous world of celebrity and still remain true to herself and her family, Amara turns to her father (Marvin Winans, TV’s House of Payne) and Sister Carrie (Patti Labelle, Semi-Pro) for support.
Rated PG, Mama, I Want To Sing also stars Billy Zane (Sniper Reloaded), Hill Harper (For Colored Girls...
- 12/9/2011
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
DVD Playhouse—November 2011
By Allen Gardner
Tree Of Life (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
By Allen Gardner
Tree Of Life (20th Century Fox) Terrence Malick’s latest effort is both the best film of 2011 and the finest work of his (arguably) mixed, but often masterly canon. A series of vignettes, mostly set in 1950s Texas, capture the memory of a man (Sean Penn) in present-day New York who looks back on his life, and his parents’ (Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain) troubled marriage, when word of his younger brother’s suicide reaches him. Almost indescribable beyond that, except to say no other film in history so perfectly evokes the magic and mystery of the human memory, which both crystalizes (and sometimes idealizes) the past. Like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001, this is a challenging, polarizing work that you must let wash over you. If you go along for the ride, you’re in for a unique, rewarding cinematic experience. Also available on Blu-ray disc.
- 11/25/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The Alamo Drafthouse has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the greatest movie theaters in the history of mankind…or at least the history of movie theaters. With their signature events, ample food and drink selection, and strict no-talking policy, they make obsolete all tawdry multiplexes and completely redefine the movie-going experience. Here’s what they’re up to this week! Thursday September 1st The No Shame Sing-Along Alamo Lake Creek 7:00pm “We see you there, sitting in your car, wailing away to Richard Marx. It's okay; don't feel judged. When we saw you mouthing the words to Counting Crows in the grocery story we wanted to find ourselves a gray guitar and play too. And then we thought, "Man! Sing-alongs...
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- 9/1/2011
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
In the only award show that could pit Oscar winner "Black Swan" against "The Roommate," this year's Teen Choice Awards are both out there and predictable. While the categories run the gamut form across 66 categories, from movies to television to sports and fashion, the big faceoffs will be between teen heavyweights Harry Potter and Twilight. Both film series are coming to their conclusion this year, leaving only one more year for them to compete.
"Twilight Saga: Eclipse" received 12 nods, including actor and actress nominations for Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart, as well as LipLock nominations for Stewart's kisses with both male leads. They'll be up against a smooch between "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who are both up for lead actor awards as well. The awards are decided by online voting, so the most powerful fan-base will prevail.
On the TV front,...
"Twilight Saga: Eclipse" received 12 nods, including actor and actress nominations for Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart, as well as LipLock nominations for Stewart's kisses with both male leads. They'll be up against a smooch between "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who are both up for lead actor awards as well. The awards are decided by online voting, so the most powerful fan-base will prevail.
On the TV front,...
- 6/29/2011
- by Rae Votta
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles, California (X17online) - The nominees for the Teen Choice Awards, which will air on Fox August 7, are out, and Harry Potter and Twilight lead the pack. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse got 12 noms, and Harry Potter cleaned up in the 66 categories as well. In TV, Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl are each up for multiple awards, with Glee leading (nine nominations). The music categories focus on Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus. The awards air live Sunday, Aug. 7, on Fox. Winners are determined by online votes. The full list of nominees is: Choice Movie: Action Fast Five Faster Scott Pilgrim vs. the World The Tourist Unstoppable Choice Movie Actor: Action Michael Cera, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Johnny Depp, The Tourist Vin Diesel, Fast Five Dwayne Johnson, Fast Five Paul Walker, Fast Five Choice Movie Actress: Action Jordana Brewster, Fast Five Rosario Dawson, Unstoppable Carla Gugino,...
- 6/29/2011
- x17online.com
Adam Rose/Fox Cat Deeley hosts “So You Think You Can Dance.”
It’s the top 20 again—all of them, since nobody went home last week!
We welcome them in pairs.
Almost every girl decides to do a midair split in the opening. We get it. You’re all very limber.
Cat, pretty in yellow, says she’s been dreaming of keeping all 20 ever since the show started, but warns us that four people will be cut tomorrow. Judges are Nigel Lythgoe,...
It’s the top 20 again—all of them, since nobody went home last week!
We welcome them in pairs.
Almost every girl decides to do a midair split in the opening. We get it. You’re all very limber.
Cat, pretty in yellow, says she’s been dreaming of keeping all 20 ever since the show started, but warns us that four people will be cut tomorrow. Judges are Nigel Lythgoe,...
- 6/23/2011
- by Gwen Orel
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Ellen DeGeneres has signed to produce a movie adaptation of bestselling novel Sing You Home. According to Deadline, DeGeneres has teamed with Storyline Entertainment partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to back the project. Jodi Picoult wrote the novel that tells the story of a young woman who loses her husband after she gets pregnant but the child is pronounced stillborn. The woman later develops a romantic relationship with a female guidance counsellor. The book (more)...
- 3/22/2011
- by By Mike Moody
- Digital Spy
Best selling author Jodi Picoult has seen four of her novels turned into movies, and her latest book, Sing You Home, seems to be following suit. This is great news, as the lesbian-themed novel is an incredible story about a woman who battles her ex-husband for the right to her frozen zygotes so that she may impregnate her partner with them.
Deadline.com is reporting that the film version will be produced by none other than Ellen DeGeneres with Storyline partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. So far, there are no backers and Ellen is providing the funds on her own. Talk about a passion project!
Zadan and Meron are currently working on a Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, starring Daniel Radclyffe of Harry Potter fame. Hopefully the movie adaptation of Sing You Home will be underway in the very near future, as it's...
Deadline.com is reporting that the film version will be produced by none other than Ellen DeGeneres with Storyline partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. So far, there are no backers and Ellen is providing the funds on her own. Talk about a passion project!
Zadan and Meron are currently working on a Broadway revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, starring Daniel Radclyffe of Harry Potter fame. Hopefully the movie adaptation of Sing You Home will be underway in the very near future, as it's...
- 3/22/2011
- by Trish Bendix
- AfterEllen.com
The theme for tonight’s Top 12 performance show on American Idol is the old chestnut, “Songs From the Year You Were Born,” first employed in season 4, back when Idol contestants were born in the 1970s. Now we have a contestant, Thia Megia, who was born the year I got my driver’s license. But more importantly, what should these 12 kids sing tonight? As luck would have it, there are plenty of Aerosmith songs potentially at their disposal, including “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Love in an Elevator,” and “Cryin’” — but chances are only one contestant will grab that opportunity.
- 3/16/2011
- by Adam B. Vary
- EW.com - PopWatch
DVD Playhouse—April 2010
By
Allen Gardner
Ride With The Devil (Criterion) Ang Lee’s revisionist take on the Civil War is awash in moral ambiguity, along with some stunning cinematography, production design, and fine performances. Set during the Kansas-Missouri border war, Tobey Maguire and Skeet Ulrich star as two friends who join up with the Confederate-sympathizing Bushwhackers, finding an odd ally in a former slave (Jeffrey Wright). While it’s fascinating to see America’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of a foreigner, thereby allowing much of the previously mentioned ambiguity a certain latitude, the film never loses the bad taste it leaves for one simple reason: it asks us, the audience, to side with not just the Confederates, but some of the lowest trash that made up the dregs, and the fringes, of the movement. Big points for audacity, but snake eyes on the story itself. Singer Jewel is impressive in her film debut.
By
Allen Gardner
Ride With The Devil (Criterion) Ang Lee’s revisionist take on the Civil War is awash in moral ambiguity, along with some stunning cinematography, production design, and fine performances. Set during the Kansas-Missouri border war, Tobey Maguire and Skeet Ulrich star as two friends who join up with the Confederate-sympathizing Bushwhackers, finding an odd ally in a former slave (Jeffrey Wright). While it’s fascinating to see America’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of a foreigner, thereby allowing much of the previously mentioned ambiguity a certain latitude, the film never loses the bad taste it leaves for one simple reason: it asks us, the audience, to side with not just the Confederates, but some of the lowest trash that made up the dregs, and the fringes, of the movement. Big points for audacity, but snake eyes on the story itself. Singer Jewel is impressive in her film debut.
- 4/16/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
Expectations are now so low on this season of "American Idol" that when news broke that Miley Cyrus was going to "mentor" the Top 11 as they sang "Teen Idol Hits No Wait Billboard #1 Hits No Wait Both Maybe," I shrugged and said, "Eh, they've had worse." (I'm still laughing at producers for letting Jennifer Lopez give singing tips to Melinda Doolittle.) Looking back on my reaction, I now see I was dead wrong.
Miley Cyrus is a genius mentor for the season nine contestants. The best lesson these kids could learn is how to become uber-famous performers with limited vocal abilities. Who knows that better than Miley Cyrus?
Tuesday night's (March 23) show opened with the Top 11 nervously standing on stage while Ryan Seacrest's giant face appeared behind them on a massive monitor borrowed from 1984. (That number works as both a reference to George Orwell's classic and perfectly encapsulates...
Miley Cyrus is a genius mentor for the season nine contestants. The best lesson these kids could learn is how to become uber-famous performers with limited vocal abilities. Who knows that better than Miley Cyrus?
Tuesday night's (March 23) show opened with the Top 11 nervously standing on stage while Ryan Seacrest's giant face appeared behind them on a massive monitor borrowed from 1984. (That number works as both a reference to George Orwell's classic and perfectly encapsulates...
- 3/24/2010
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
The Alamo Guide
for February 12th, 2010
February! You Are Still Rainy And Cold! I Hate It! Where’s the sun? This is like, the most unromantic weather, February. Why don’t you live up to the holiday you’re known for and show us some freaking love! Nevermind… we’ll just stay inside. Suck it.First of all, we’re opening The Wolfman this Friday at The Ritz! If you wanna see a really hairy, muscley Benicio Del Toro, then this movie is for you! All of our Valentine’s Day Feasts are Sold Out! And if you hate love, even our Love Bites Sing-Along on Valentine’s Day is sold out too. All the more reason for you to proclaim that you “don’t believe in Valentine’s Day because you should love your partner all the time!” and “it’s just a holiday created by Hallmark!” and...
for February 12th, 2010
February! You Are Still Rainy And Cold! I Hate It! Where’s the sun? This is like, the most unromantic weather, February. Why don’t you live up to the holiday you’re known for and show us some freaking love! Nevermind… we’ll just stay inside. Suck it.First of all, we’re opening The Wolfman this Friday at The Ritz! If you wanna see a really hairy, muscley Benicio Del Toro, then this movie is for you! All of our Valentine’s Day Feasts are Sold Out! And if you hate love, even our Love Bites Sing-Along on Valentine’s Day is sold out too. All the more reason for you to proclaim that you “don’t believe in Valentine’s Day because you should love your partner all the time!” and “it’s just a holiday created by Hallmark!” and...
- 2/12/2010
- by caitlin
- OriginalAlamo.com
Does the new poster, right, make it look less like Colin Firth and Julianne Moore are a couple?
Following this assortment of carefully-selected news items, interested readers can find a refreshing pic of a hot man in underwear. Yes, we're serious.
Above, you can see the two posters from Tom Ford's upcoming A Single Man. The poster on the left was the one that had people saying the marketing had been de-gayed. The one on the right, we're told, was designed by Tom Ford himself. Improvement? James A Roppo, a senior vice president for a record company has been arrested for failing to tweet. It's a crime now. Or at least it's a crime when you've had a mall taken over by tweens trying to see singing sensation Justin Bieber, and the cops want you to tweet for the tweens to go home. Don't know what a Justin Bieber is?...
Following this assortment of carefully-selected news items, interested readers can find a refreshing pic of a hot man in underwear. Yes, we're serious.
Above, you can see the two posters from Tom Ford's upcoming A Single Man. The poster on the left was the one that had people saying the marketing had been de-gayed. The one on the right, we're told, was designed by Tom Ford himself. Improvement? James A Roppo, a senior vice president for a record company has been arrested for failing to tweet. It's a crime now. Or at least it's a crime when you've had a mall taken over by tweens trying to see singing sensation Justin Bieber, and the cops want you to tweet for the tweens to go home. Don't know what a Justin Bieber is?...
- 11/24/2009
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Producer John Breglio and the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. will bring Broadway uptown for four weeks only with Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater, prior to the national tour of the new production of the groundbreaking musical. The national tour of Dreamgirls will kick-off at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater (253 West 125 Street) beginning previews Saturday, November 7, 2009, and opening Sunday, November 22, 2009, for 4 weeks only, through Sunday December, 6, 2009.
Dreamgirls is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with co-choreography by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. With music direction by Sam Davis, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, and Vocal Arrangements by David Chase & Cleavant Derricks, Dreamgirls is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions in association with Chunsoo Shin, Jake Productions & Broadway Across America/TBS.
This brand-new production will...
Dreamgirls is directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom with co-choreography by Shane Sparks, scenic design by Robin Wagner, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners, and media design by Howard Werner for Lightswitch. With music direction by Sam Davis, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, and Vocal Arrangements by David Chase & Cleavant Derricks, Dreamgirls is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions in association with Chunsoo Shin, Jake Productions & Broadway Across America/TBS.
This brand-new production will...
- 11/4/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
New Line Cinema is planning a contemporary version of the classical musical, "Damn Yankees," and they're attaching both Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal to star!
It's going to be produced by the folks behind "Hairspray," Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
The original musical was first a big Broadway success in 1955 and won 7 tony Awards! It's a story about Joe Boyd who makes a pact with the devil who transforms him into slugger Joe Hardy to help his struggling pro baseball team.
But there's a price of course! Boyd's soul!
Tan dan dan....
Carrey is going to play the devil and Gyllenhaal to star as Boyd aka Hardy.
And just for approved measure, the devil hires Lola, a lost soul, to seduce Hardy and seal his fate!
No word yet on who's going to star as Lola.
More tan dan dan...
There was, of course, a 1958 Warner Bros. film starring Gwen Verdon,...
It's going to be produced by the folks behind "Hairspray," Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.
The original musical was first a big Broadway success in 1955 and won 7 tony Awards! It's a story about Joe Boyd who makes a pact with the devil who transforms him into slugger Joe Hardy to help his struggling pro baseball team.
But there's a price of course! Boyd's soul!
Tan dan dan....
Carrey is going to play the devil and Gyllenhaal to star as Boyd aka Hardy.
And just for approved measure, the devil hires Lola, a lost soul, to seduce Hardy and seal his fate!
No word yet on who's going to star as Lola.
More tan dan dan...
There was, of course, a 1958 Warner Bros. film starring Gwen Verdon,...
- 2/28/2009
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Plant & Krauss Are The King And Queen Of The Grammys
Former Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant and his new performance partner Alison Krauss were the toast of the 51st Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night after claiming a fistful of honours.The duo picked up awards for Album of The Year, Record of The Year, Best Pop Collaboration, Best Country Collaboration and Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album.
Lil Wayne, who was the most nominated artist at this year's Grammys, took home three prizes and a share of the Best Rap Performance for a Duo or Group for Swagga Like Us with Jay-z, T.I. and Kanye West.
Coldplay were also triple winners, claiming Song of The Year, Best Rock Album and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.
Double winners included Metallica, Al Green, Daft Punk, gospel star Kirk Franklin, Brad Paisley and Peter Gabriel and composer Thomas Newman, who won honours for their work on the Wall-e soundtrack.
Neil Diamond, the Four Tops, Dean Martin and music mogul Clive Davis were among those honoured with special awards during the ceremony.
The night was a star-studded affair - with more performers than ever before hitting the stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the event.
Highlights included Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift's duet on the country star's 15, Jennifer Hudson's stirring rendition of Diane Warren's You Pulled Me Through - backed by a gospel choir, the Jonas Brothers' collaboration with Stevie Wonder, Coldplay's performance with rapper Jay-z and Lil Wayne and Robin Thicke's rousing tribute to New Orleans with Terence Blanchard and Allen Toussaint.
Rockers U2 kicked off the 51st Grammys with new song Get on Your Boots and heavily-pregnant M.I.A., who was due to give birth on Sunday, performed Paper Planes/Swagga Like Us with rappers Lil Wayne, Jay-z, T.I. and Kanye West.
Lil Wayne, who was the most nominated artist at this year's Grammys, took home three prizes and a share of the Best Rap Performance for a Duo or Group for Swagga Like Us with Jay-z, T.I. and Kanye West.
Coldplay were also triple winners, claiming Song of The Year, Best Rock Album and Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.
Double winners included Metallica, Al Green, Daft Punk, gospel star Kirk Franklin, Brad Paisley and Peter Gabriel and composer Thomas Newman, who won honours for their work on the Wall-e soundtrack.
Neil Diamond, the Four Tops, Dean Martin and music mogul Clive Davis were among those honoured with special awards during the ceremony.
The night was a star-studded affair - with more performers than ever before hitting the stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the event.
Highlights included Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift's duet on the country star's 15, Jennifer Hudson's stirring rendition of Diane Warren's You Pulled Me Through - backed by a gospel choir, the Jonas Brothers' collaboration with Stevie Wonder, Coldplay's performance with rapper Jay-z and Lil Wayne and Robin Thicke's rousing tribute to New Orleans with Terence Blanchard and Allen Toussaint.
Rockers U2 kicked off the 51st Grammys with new song Get on Your Boots and heavily-pregnant M.I.A., who was due to give birth on Sunday, performed Paper Planes/Swagga Like Us with rappers Lil Wayne, Jay-z, T.I. and Kanye West.
- 2/9/2009
- WENN
Glenn Close was driving with her dogs, Bill and Jack, when she heard the news of her best actress nomination for her role in FX's "Damages." She said she's proud that a basic cable show like hers was able to garner six noms. Even with her excitement, she said she was sorry co-star Rose Byrne's work wasn't recognized. "I think she is absolutely superb, and I want to share my nomination with her," Close said.
"Mad Men's" Jon Hamm was on a flight from New York to Los Angeles when the nominations were announced. "I found out I was nominated after we landed at 8 a.m., and my phone started going crazy. It's obviously quite exciting stuff but, at the same time, quite a whirlwind that's kind of hard to navigate. My overriding feeling is one of gratitude that our show was recognized so completely and so wonderfully, top to bottom. Just looking at the nominee lists, what happened this morning seems tremendously good for television. All of this nontraditional programming like our show, 'Breaking Bad,' 'Dexter,' it's just excellent to see it recognized and rewarded."
John Slattery, nominated for his supporting role in AMC's "Mad Men," was awake when the nominations were announced, but he was nowhere near a TV. "I was about two feet from the water, ready to paddle out and go surfing, when my publicist called me," said the first-time nominee, who was in Malibu when he got the call. He said he hopes the show's 16 noms will translate into more viewers for the widely praised but modestly rated drama. "It couldn't hurt, but I don't know what more can be done. (The show has) the word-of-mouth and buzz and publicity. I don't see how it can go anywhere but up."
Kevin Spacey said he was "blown away" by the number of Emmy nominations that "Recount" and "Bernard and Doris" received -- 21. Spacey's Trigger Street Prods. was a producer for both, as well as Spacey receiving a nomination for actor in a movie or miniseries. "There is some bizarre irony that 21 is the number of nominations (for those films), and that was our movie a couple of months ago," Spacey said from his home in London, where he is director of the Old Vic theater. But even with all the joy, Spacey said that for everyone involved in "Recount" it's time to remember the late director Sydney Pollack, who had signed on to direct it before falling ill. "This was the last film he was involved in as a producer. He was the first person who called me about the project, and even when he got ill, he was with us and giving notes right up to were he got very ill, right toward the very end." And since he's in London, Spacey didn't have to get up early to find out whether he was nominated. "It was a very civilized time of the day, yes," Spacey said. "But I did have to call my business partner (Dana Bernetti) and wake him up."
"Recount" director Jay Roach was standing in front of the Louvre in Paris with his children when he got the call about his directing nomination for "Recount." Roach, who is accompanying his wife, Susanna Hoffs, on a Bangles tour, said he had "very mixed emotions about the honor." Roach was brought in to helm the movie about the 2000 Florida recount after Sydney Pollack pulled out as his health deteriorated. Pollack, who died of cancer the day after the premiere of "Recount" on HBO, gave Roach notes during postproduction and was able to see the final cut. "He liked it very much," Roach said. "He knew the story could be told in a suspenseful but also entertaining way, and this is a tribute to his vision." Roach also praised HBO for "having a courage to make a political thriller especially when people know the ending."
Lead actress nominee Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") is even more excited by this year's nominations than she has been previously. "People are gonna get bored, and interest in the show and your appeal as an actor can wane," she said. "So, it some ways, it feels even better." Sedgwick also said she's thrilled that three out of the five nominees in her category come from cable shows and that the majority are older than 35. "The myth that after 35 women are over in Hollywood is disappearing," she said. "Women want to see women their age that look like them and act like them. I think that feels best of all."
Ted Danson's wife, Mary Steenburgen, had been up since 5 a.m. waiting for a call as to whether her husband had been nominated for his supporting role in FX's "Damages." Not realizing that the announcements didn't start until 5:40 a.m., she was disappointed when no call came. "She was thinking, 'Oh my poor husband,' and then someone called at 6," Danson said. "She is indeed excited." He said it's a big week for the couple, as her film "Step Brothers" opens this week. Danson, whose last nomination was in 1993 for "Cheers," said he's just as in the dark as the viewers as to the fate of his "Damages" character, who was shot in the season finale. "I'm back in some form, but the truth is I have no idea. They've not picked me up for a whole season, so I can't tell. I really don't know. I do know that the (Season 2) opening scene is very surprising and shocking and fun."
"We're in the midst of making the show, so there's a bit more of a lightness in everybody's step today," Michael C. Hall said after being nominated for lead actor for Showtime's "Dexter." "Nominations aren't the be all, end all, but when they do come, it suggests that more than just a couple of people are responding to your work." More than a couple is right, as Hall will see firsthand next week at the mecca of super-fandom, San Diego's Comic-Con, where he said he'll be "ducking and weaving" fans' questions about what to expect in the serial killer drama's third season. "The more interesting things you reveal, the less interesting things there are on the show for the fans. The fun for the audience is not knowing what's in store."
"This is just an amazing feeling. Amazing," said "Mad Men" creator/exec producer Matthew Weiner. "I was talking to (co-writer and producer) Robin Veith this morning, asking if she remembered typing the title page of the 'Mad Men' pilot eight years ago. And I said to her, 'Wow, it's nice to have something like this happen overnight, isn't it?' Weiner had decided beforehand that I was going to enjoy it if it happened. "I'm going to go out and celebrate by taking my kids to a table read of 'The Simpsons' that we'd already had schedule. I can't think of a better way to rejoice."
"I left the whole process open for a surprise, since I tend not to be tense about these things. I just mosey about my business and if it happens, fantastic, and if it doesn't, I try not to be upset," said Heidi Klum, recognized as reality-competition host for Bravo's "Project Runway." "It's always hard to speak for yourself about what it is you're good at that's being recognized, but it's not at all like I take this lightly."
Also from the reality competition noms, "The Amazing Race" creator Bertram Van Munster said, "Even after all the past wins, I'm as excited as a little boy. I find it such a crowning achievement to be celebrated for what we do every year, and we are so enthusiastic about being able to work like this and do something so ambitious and big. It's just thrilling."
What is it with people up for Emmy Award attention who forget when the nominations are? We hear about it all the time, an actor insisting, "Oh, I was sound asleep and had forgotten it was even happening!" Holland Taylor, nominated for supporting actress in a comedy for the third time for her work on CBS' "Two and a Half Men," made just such a claim Thursday morning. "I really had totally forgotten!" Taylor claimed. "So then my phone rings and I'm wondering, 'Who the hell is calling me this early?' But you know, it's always a nice phone call to get, even when you're not expecting it."
Christina Applegate was trying in vain to get some sleep all morning long. Her publicist called at "5-something in the morning" and woke her up to give her the news that she had been nominated for leading actress in a comedy series for "Samantha Who?" "I don't think I really realized what was happening, but it was a nice phone call to get today." She'd been trying to get back to sleep, but press interviews kept interrupting. So how's she planning to celebrate? "I think I am going to try to get some more sleep today and go to dinner with friends tonight." Asked for hints about her show's upcoming second season, she said: "It will be bigger, bolder and juicier. The first few episodes are very high-concept. There's a lot going on. There's also a lot more for everybody else to do. The first season we established the characters, and this season it will be nice to get to know them better."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for her starring role in CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine," didn't hear the news from a publicist. "I was in a deep sleep, and Peter Roth woke me up." That must feel good, to get a call from president of Warner Bros. TV himself about an Emmy nom, no? "Actually he came into my bedroom and woke me up," she joked. The actress said it was a "huge relief" to get nominated because the show shot only 10 episodes this past season because of the writers strike. "I thought any chance of getting any nomination was slim for that reason. This is a real testament to the writing of our show." Louis-Dreyfus, who just returned from a four-week trip to Africa, where she's working on a documentary, said "Christine" will have another new adventure of her own next season: "Barb (Wanda Sykes) and I are going to enter a different kind of relationship. She needs to become an American citizen, and we live in California, so you can imagine the high jinks that ensue as a result."
Jean Smart's cell phone kept ringing in her hotel room, and she kept wishing she had put in on vibrate. "I'm out of town and completely forgot. I thought the calls were emergencies," she said. Luckily, there was no emergency, just the good news of her nomination for supporting actress for "Samantha Who?" Smart has been nominated several times before, and while she said it's not the same as the first time ("It's like your first kiss"), she is still incredibly honored. "You try not to dwell on it and make it super important, but when it happens you are really flattered and happy about it, and you'd be disappointed if it didn't happen," she said.
Thursday brought a two-fer for Tom Wilkinson, who scored nominations for his role as James A. Baker in "Recount" as well as Benjamin Franklin in "John Adams." Wilkinson heard the news at home in London, where he has just finished a movie called "44-Inch Chest" with John Hurt, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane. He said the nominations for "Recount" were in part a tribute to Sydney Pollack, whose terminal illness kept him from directing it. Wilkinson, being English, also didn't have the same feelings that others in the cast might have had in doing something so controversial based on the recent past. "I wasn't burdened down by any sense of responsibility of how I was going to do Jim Baker in regard to my own political inclinations," Wilkinson said. "I don't vote in American elections." But he's gratified for the recognition, his second and third Emmy nominations. "That's the cream in the coffee," he said.
"Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera celebrated her second consecutive Emmy nomination by heading to work. The ABC dramedy is in its second week of shooting on its third season, which for the first time is in production in New York City. Ferrera found out about the nominations just before leaving for work, sitting on the couch with her dog and her boyfriend. "It was fun to see Kristin Chenoweth read it (the nomination) because she's such a good friend," Ferrera said. Ferrera, who won for best actress in a comedy last year, said last year's experience makes it easier the second time around at the ceremony. "I was a little nervous the first time around," she said. But she does hope that the theater-in-the-round format doesn't come back, since when she accepted last year she had to go to the far microphone and wasn't able to see her cast and crew. "That was a little bit of a bummer, but it's fine," Ferrera said.
It took several phone calls from well-wishers for Bob Balaban to realize that he had received multiple nominations, including supporting actor in a miniseries/movie for HBO's "Recount" and directing for a mini/movie/dramatic special for HBO's "Bernard and Doris." He also exec produced the latter, which was nominated in the made-for-tv movie category. Initially, a friend alerted him to the "Bernard" noms, but "eight phone calls later, somebody congratulated me on my acting nomination, and I told them they must have read the list and made a mistake."
"This is our third straight year of being nominated (for outstanding comedy series), and let me tell ya, it never gets old at all," said Chuck Lorre, creator/exec producer of CBS' single-camera comedy "Two and a Half Men." "It's not something you ever take for granted. It's wonderful to get that call. And I mean, the number of cameras you have on your show should matter less than how well you make people laugh. That should be the goal of a comedy series. It certainly is for us. That the voters believe we get it right is what's most gratifying."
"We were very hopeful about getting some acknowledgment, but when you are faced with behemoth (Emmy) campaigns from HBO, we fell like the little engine that could," said Neil Meron, exec producer of made-for-tv movie nominee "A Raisin in the Sun." "Especially because it's not the kind of thing that deals with political campaigns or ex-presidents or big conspiracies; it's a very simple family drama." Craig Zadan, who also exec produced the ABC movie, said "Raisin," while set in the 1950s, resonates with events in today's world. "There's no way not to look at the correlation with a black presidential candidate, racism, poverty and the hard economic times and people struggling to keep their head above water. It's amazing how this is a period drama and yet how contemporary this movie is to the world we are living in right at this moment."
Seth Green had a rough Wednesday night, taking a red-eye flight, but the news that his Adult Swim show "Robot Chicken," which he created with Matthew Senreich, was nominated for an animated program Emmy made his morning a lot better. "My publicist called at 6:22 a.m., about three hours after I landed in Los Angeles. I was pretty much asleep and reacted in a disproportionately grumpy way," he joked. "I didn't have my head about me yet." Once he processed the information, he said he was "baffled and excited" about the news. The show was nominated for its "Star Wars" parody, which is being released Tuesday on DVD; Green said he's hoping to have another big episode for the show's upcoming fourth season. "We're talking to some companies, like Mattel and Hasbro, about some things. We want to do it right, whatever lends itself to a half-hour parody. We're definitely thinking about it."
Although Kristin Chenoweth was immersed in Emmy nomination news as one of the announcers Thursday morning, she didn't expect the biggest news of all -- her nomination for supporting actress for "Pushing Daisies." "It was a total shock," she said. This is the actress' first Emmy nom, and no one is more thrilled than her mother. "I talked to my mom, and she was crying and really proud. She's been getting a lot of phone calls in Oklahoma."
Neil Patrick Harris was onstage at 5:40 a.m. to announce the nominees when as a surprise at the end, it was his name called as best supporting actor in a comedy series for CBS' "How I Met Your Mother." Harris called it a "lovely surprise" but downplayed the importance of winning. "We're all trying to do our best at the show, and it's good to put on your bio, but it doesn't hold that much water. The trophy isn't important; it's just nice to give acknowledgment to the show," he said. Harris also talked about his smaller-than-small-screen work on Joss Whedon's just-launched online musical, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," and whether a series like that could see an Emmy someday in a new category. "It's odd that I'm way more excited right now about 'Dr. Horrible' than the Emmy nomination," he said, laughing. "It wouldn't surprise me (to see an online TV category) in the future. We're in a tricky, uncharted territory on the Internet. If people know that millions of people will watch it, we're going to see more shows like this. I'm not saying 'Dr. Horrible' is the most high-brow of shows, but it's good. We're not reinventing the theatrical wheel, but it's certainly an amazing 22 minutes of show so far, and I can't wait to see what happens next."
Zeljko Ivanek also is up for supporting actor for "Damages," but said there won't be any rivalry on set -- friendly or otherwise -- with his co-star Ted Danson. "It's out of my hands. It was nice getting to this point, but the rest will play out the way it plays out. I have no expectations or sense of being beaten or beating out." On second thought, "maybe it'll be uglier by September, but not now," he quipped. The first-time nominee also declined to divulge details about the show's second season. "All I can say about it is there are some great surprises in store, and it's not up to me to spoil them."
"Even if my name had not been among the five nominees, I'm just pleased the category exists," said Tom Bergeron of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" in regard to this year's new category for reality-competition program host. "It's great that the Emmy folks recognized the work I'm doing and my friends are doing, and I'm flattered to be part of that." Bergeron said he's friends with all of his fellow category nominees -- Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel and Jeff Probst -- except Heidi Klum, "and I'm hoping to rectify that." But he still thinks he has the formula to beat them: "I'm looking at the competition, and I'm going to make a strategy on this: I'm going to have dimples put in to compete with Probst, shaving my head to compete with Howie, waxing my legs to compete with Heidi and cutting 20 years off my resume to compete with Ryan." After such an exciting morning, Bergeron said it was back to reality Thursday afternoon. "I'm on vacation in New Hampshire, and I've got to take my 1978 Volkswagen Beetle convertible to get a windshield-wiper pump installed. It's a little yin and a little yang."
"Law & Order: Svu" executive producer Neal Baer was excited about the NBC procedural's three nominations -- leading drama actress for Mariska Hargitay and guest-star mentions for Robin Williams and Cynthia Nixon. "You don't often see the star of a show in its 10th year get nominated," he said. He credited the actors, the writers and the director -- David Platt directed all three performances -- as well as a TV academy policy that ensures that the judging panels actually watch the performances before voting. "I can't say how happy I am that the members of the panels see the tapes because this is the fairest way. It lets the performances speak, and apparently these spoke loudly."
Tom Hooper didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to find out that he was nominated for directing HBO's miniseries "John Adams." He was in London working on "The Damned United," his upcoming film written by Peter Morgan, Hooper's "Longford" collaborator. "I found out, and then I got to go out to lunch and celebrate in a civilized way," he quipped. He said the subject matter resonates in America today. "I think one of the great things about doing this is having the chance through this story to have a dialogue about America's core values in an election year. What made me happy was I feel like the success of 'John Adams' is proof that people are more politically engaged this year and open to the complexity of America's political history. It wasn't a dumbed-down version of history." That history is something the British-born Hooper wasn't as familiar with before signing on to direct the mini. "I previously knew little about John Adams, but I think I was able to bring an fresh perspective, an outsider's perspective, to the story."
Compiled by Nellie Andreeva, Paul J. Gough, Karen Nicoletti, Kimberly Nordyke, Ray Richmond and Stephanie Robbins...
"Mad Men's" Jon Hamm was on a flight from New York to Los Angeles when the nominations were announced. "I found out I was nominated after we landed at 8 a.m., and my phone started going crazy. It's obviously quite exciting stuff but, at the same time, quite a whirlwind that's kind of hard to navigate. My overriding feeling is one of gratitude that our show was recognized so completely and so wonderfully, top to bottom. Just looking at the nominee lists, what happened this morning seems tremendously good for television. All of this nontraditional programming like our show, 'Breaking Bad,' 'Dexter,' it's just excellent to see it recognized and rewarded."
John Slattery, nominated for his supporting role in AMC's "Mad Men," was awake when the nominations were announced, but he was nowhere near a TV. "I was about two feet from the water, ready to paddle out and go surfing, when my publicist called me," said the first-time nominee, who was in Malibu when he got the call. He said he hopes the show's 16 noms will translate into more viewers for the widely praised but modestly rated drama. "It couldn't hurt, but I don't know what more can be done. (The show has) the word-of-mouth and buzz and publicity. I don't see how it can go anywhere but up."
Kevin Spacey said he was "blown away" by the number of Emmy nominations that "Recount" and "Bernard and Doris" received -- 21. Spacey's Trigger Street Prods. was a producer for both, as well as Spacey receiving a nomination for actor in a movie or miniseries. "There is some bizarre irony that 21 is the number of nominations (for those films), and that was our movie a couple of months ago," Spacey said from his home in London, where he is director of the Old Vic theater. But even with all the joy, Spacey said that for everyone involved in "Recount" it's time to remember the late director Sydney Pollack, who had signed on to direct it before falling ill. "This was the last film he was involved in as a producer. He was the first person who called me about the project, and even when he got ill, he was with us and giving notes right up to were he got very ill, right toward the very end." And since he's in London, Spacey didn't have to get up early to find out whether he was nominated. "It was a very civilized time of the day, yes," Spacey said. "But I did have to call my business partner (Dana Bernetti) and wake him up."
"Recount" director Jay Roach was standing in front of the Louvre in Paris with his children when he got the call about his directing nomination for "Recount." Roach, who is accompanying his wife, Susanna Hoffs, on a Bangles tour, said he had "very mixed emotions about the honor." Roach was brought in to helm the movie about the 2000 Florida recount after Sydney Pollack pulled out as his health deteriorated. Pollack, who died of cancer the day after the premiere of "Recount" on HBO, gave Roach notes during postproduction and was able to see the final cut. "He liked it very much," Roach said. "He knew the story could be told in a suspenseful but also entertaining way, and this is a tribute to his vision." Roach also praised HBO for "having a courage to make a political thriller especially when people know the ending."
Lead actress nominee Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") is even more excited by this year's nominations than she has been previously. "People are gonna get bored, and interest in the show and your appeal as an actor can wane," she said. "So, it some ways, it feels even better." Sedgwick also said she's thrilled that three out of the five nominees in her category come from cable shows and that the majority are older than 35. "The myth that after 35 women are over in Hollywood is disappearing," she said. "Women want to see women their age that look like them and act like them. I think that feels best of all."
Ted Danson's wife, Mary Steenburgen, had been up since 5 a.m. waiting for a call as to whether her husband had been nominated for his supporting role in FX's "Damages." Not realizing that the announcements didn't start until 5:40 a.m., she was disappointed when no call came. "She was thinking, 'Oh my poor husband,' and then someone called at 6," Danson said. "She is indeed excited." He said it's a big week for the couple, as her film "Step Brothers" opens this week. Danson, whose last nomination was in 1993 for "Cheers," said he's just as in the dark as the viewers as to the fate of his "Damages" character, who was shot in the season finale. "I'm back in some form, but the truth is I have no idea. They've not picked me up for a whole season, so I can't tell. I really don't know. I do know that the (Season 2) opening scene is very surprising and shocking and fun."
"We're in the midst of making the show, so there's a bit more of a lightness in everybody's step today," Michael C. Hall said after being nominated for lead actor for Showtime's "Dexter." "Nominations aren't the be all, end all, but when they do come, it suggests that more than just a couple of people are responding to your work." More than a couple is right, as Hall will see firsthand next week at the mecca of super-fandom, San Diego's Comic-Con, where he said he'll be "ducking and weaving" fans' questions about what to expect in the serial killer drama's third season. "The more interesting things you reveal, the less interesting things there are on the show for the fans. The fun for the audience is not knowing what's in store."
"This is just an amazing feeling. Amazing," said "Mad Men" creator/exec producer Matthew Weiner. "I was talking to (co-writer and producer) Robin Veith this morning, asking if she remembered typing the title page of the 'Mad Men' pilot eight years ago. And I said to her, 'Wow, it's nice to have something like this happen overnight, isn't it?' Weiner had decided beforehand that I was going to enjoy it if it happened. "I'm going to go out and celebrate by taking my kids to a table read of 'The Simpsons' that we'd already had schedule. I can't think of a better way to rejoice."
"I left the whole process open for a surprise, since I tend not to be tense about these things. I just mosey about my business and if it happens, fantastic, and if it doesn't, I try not to be upset," said Heidi Klum, recognized as reality-competition host for Bravo's "Project Runway." "It's always hard to speak for yourself about what it is you're good at that's being recognized, but it's not at all like I take this lightly."
Also from the reality competition noms, "The Amazing Race" creator Bertram Van Munster said, "Even after all the past wins, I'm as excited as a little boy. I find it such a crowning achievement to be celebrated for what we do every year, and we are so enthusiastic about being able to work like this and do something so ambitious and big. It's just thrilling."
What is it with people up for Emmy Award attention who forget when the nominations are? We hear about it all the time, an actor insisting, "Oh, I was sound asleep and had forgotten it was even happening!" Holland Taylor, nominated for supporting actress in a comedy for the third time for her work on CBS' "Two and a Half Men," made just such a claim Thursday morning. "I really had totally forgotten!" Taylor claimed. "So then my phone rings and I'm wondering, 'Who the hell is calling me this early?' But you know, it's always a nice phone call to get, even when you're not expecting it."
Christina Applegate was trying in vain to get some sleep all morning long. Her publicist called at "5-something in the morning" and woke her up to give her the news that she had been nominated for leading actress in a comedy series for "Samantha Who?" "I don't think I really realized what was happening, but it was a nice phone call to get today." She'd been trying to get back to sleep, but press interviews kept interrupting. So how's she planning to celebrate? "I think I am going to try to get some more sleep today and go to dinner with friends tonight." Asked for hints about her show's upcoming second season, she said: "It will be bigger, bolder and juicier. The first few episodes are very high-concept. There's a lot going on. There's also a lot more for everybody else to do. The first season we established the characters, and this season it will be nice to get to know them better."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, nominated for her starring role in CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine," didn't hear the news from a publicist. "I was in a deep sleep, and Peter Roth woke me up." That must feel good, to get a call from president of Warner Bros. TV himself about an Emmy nom, no? "Actually he came into my bedroom and woke me up," she joked. The actress said it was a "huge relief" to get nominated because the show shot only 10 episodes this past season because of the writers strike. "I thought any chance of getting any nomination was slim for that reason. This is a real testament to the writing of our show." Louis-Dreyfus, who just returned from a four-week trip to Africa, where she's working on a documentary, said "Christine" will have another new adventure of her own next season: "Barb (Wanda Sykes) and I are going to enter a different kind of relationship. She needs to become an American citizen, and we live in California, so you can imagine the high jinks that ensue as a result."
Jean Smart's cell phone kept ringing in her hotel room, and she kept wishing she had put in on vibrate. "I'm out of town and completely forgot. I thought the calls were emergencies," she said. Luckily, there was no emergency, just the good news of her nomination for supporting actress for "Samantha Who?" Smart has been nominated several times before, and while she said it's not the same as the first time ("It's like your first kiss"), she is still incredibly honored. "You try not to dwell on it and make it super important, but when it happens you are really flattered and happy about it, and you'd be disappointed if it didn't happen," she said.
Thursday brought a two-fer for Tom Wilkinson, who scored nominations for his role as James A. Baker in "Recount" as well as Benjamin Franklin in "John Adams." Wilkinson heard the news at home in London, where he has just finished a movie called "44-Inch Chest" with John Hurt, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane. He said the nominations for "Recount" were in part a tribute to Sydney Pollack, whose terminal illness kept him from directing it. Wilkinson, being English, also didn't have the same feelings that others in the cast might have had in doing something so controversial based on the recent past. "I wasn't burdened down by any sense of responsibility of how I was going to do Jim Baker in regard to my own political inclinations," Wilkinson said. "I don't vote in American elections." But he's gratified for the recognition, his second and third Emmy nominations. "That's the cream in the coffee," he said.
"Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera celebrated her second consecutive Emmy nomination by heading to work. The ABC dramedy is in its second week of shooting on its third season, which for the first time is in production in New York City. Ferrera found out about the nominations just before leaving for work, sitting on the couch with her dog and her boyfriend. "It was fun to see Kristin Chenoweth read it (the nomination) because she's such a good friend," Ferrera said. Ferrera, who won for best actress in a comedy last year, said last year's experience makes it easier the second time around at the ceremony. "I was a little nervous the first time around," she said. But she does hope that the theater-in-the-round format doesn't come back, since when she accepted last year she had to go to the far microphone and wasn't able to see her cast and crew. "That was a little bit of a bummer, but it's fine," Ferrera said.
It took several phone calls from well-wishers for Bob Balaban to realize that he had received multiple nominations, including supporting actor in a miniseries/movie for HBO's "Recount" and directing for a mini/movie/dramatic special for HBO's "Bernard and Doris." He also exec produced the latter, which was nominated in the made-for-tv movie category. Initially, a friend alerted him to the "Bernard" noms, but "eight phone calls later, somebody congratulated me on my acting nomination, and I told them they must have read the list and made a mistake."
"This is our third straight year of being nominated (for outstanding comedy series), and let me tell ya, it never gets old at all," said Chuck Lorre, creator/exec producer of CBS' single-camera comedy "Two and a Half Men." "It's not something you ever take for granted. It's wonderful to get that call. And I mean, the number of cameras you have on your show should matter less than how well you make people laugh. That should be the goal of a comedy series. It certainly is for us. That the voters believe we get it right is what's most gratifying."
"We were very hopeful about getting some acknowledgment, but when you are faced with behemoth (Emmy) campaigns from HBO, we fell like the little engine that could," said Neil Meron, exec producer of made-for-tv movie nominee "A Raisin in the Sun." "Especially because it's not the kind of thing that deals with political campaigns or ex-presidents or big conspiracies; it's a very simple family drama." Craig Zadan, who also exec produced the ABC movie, said "Raisin," while set in the 1950s, resonates with events in today's world. "There's no way not to look at the correlation with a black presidential candidate, racism, poverty and the hard economic times and people struggling to keep their head above water. It's amazing how this is a period drama and yet how contemporary this movie is to the world we are living in right at this moment."
Seth Green had a rough Wednesday night, taking a red-eye flight, but the news that his Adult Swim show "Robot Chicken," which he created with Matthew Senreich, was nominated for an animated program Emmy made his morning a lot better. "My publicist called at 6:22 a.m., about three hours after I landed in Los Angeles. I was pretty much asleep and reacted in a disproportionately grumpy way," he joked. "I didn't have my head about me yet." Once he processed the information, he said he was "baffled and excited" about the news. The show was nominated for its "Star Wars" parody, which is being released Tuesday on DVD; Green said he's hoping to have another big episode for the show's upcoming fourth season. "We're talking to some companies, like Mattel and Hasbro, about some things. We want to do it right, whatever lends itself to a half-hour parody. We're definitely thinking about it."
Although Kristin Chenoweth was immersed in Emmy nomination news as one of the announcers Thursday morning, she didn't expect the biggest news of all -- her nomination for supporting actress for "Pushing Daisies." "It was a total shock," she said. This is the actress' first Emmy nom, and no one is more thrilled than her mother. "I talked to my mom, and she was crying and really proud. She's been getting a lot of phone calls in Oklahoma."
Neil Patrick Harris was onstage at 5:40 a.m. to announce the nominees when as a surprise at the end, it was his name called as best supporting actor in a comedy series for CBS' "How I Met Your Mother." Harris called it a "lovely surprise" but downplayed the importance of winning. "We're all trying to do our best at the show, and it's good to put on your bio, but it doesn't hold that much water. The trophy isn't important; it's just nice to give acknowledgment to the show," he said. Harris also talked about his smaller-than-small-screen work on Joss Whedon's just-launched online musical, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," and whether a series like that could see an Emmy someday in a new category. "It's odd that I'm way more excited right now about 'Dr. Horrible' than the Emmy nomination," he said, laughing. "It wouldn't surprise me (to see an online TV category) in the future. We're in a tricky, uncharted territory on the Internet. If people know that millions of people will watch it, we're going to see more shows like this. I'm not saying 'Dr. Horrible' is the most high-brow of shows, but it's good. We're not reinventing the theatrical wheel, but it's certainly an amazing 22 minutes of show so far, and I can't wait to see what happens next."
Zeljko Ivanek also is up for supporting actor for "Damages," but said there won't be any rivalry on set -- friendly or otherwise -- with his co-star Ted Danson. "It's out of my hands. It was nice getting to this point, but the rest will play out the way it plays out. I have no expectations or sense of being beaten or beating out." On second thought, "maybe it'll be uglier by September, but not now," he quipped. The first-time nominee also declined to divulge details about the show's second season. "All I can say about it is there are some great surprises in store, and it's not up to me to spoil them."
"Even if my name had not been among the five nominees, I'm just pleased the category exists," said Tom Bergeron of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" in regard to this year's new category for reality-competition program host. "It's great that the Emmy folks recognized the work I'm doing and my friends are doing, and I'm flattered to be part of that." Bergeron said he's friends with all of his fellow category nominees -- Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel and Jeff Probst -- except Heidi Klum, "and I'm hoping to rectify that." But he still thinks he has the formula to beat them: "I'm looking at the competition, and I'm going to make a strategy on this: I'm going to have dimples put in to compete with Probst, shaving my head to compete with Howie, waxing my legs to compete with Heidi and cutting 20 years off my resume to compete with Ryan." After such an exciting morning, Bergeron said it was back to reality Thursday afternoon. "I'm on vacation in New Hampshire, and I've got to take my 1978 Volkswagen Beetle convertible to get a windshield-wiper pump installed. It's a little yin and a little yang."
"Law & Order: Svu" executive producer Neal Baer was excited about the NBC procedural's three nominations -- leading drama actress for Mariska Hargitay and guest-star mentions for Robin Williams and Cynthia Nixon. "You don't often see the star of a show in its 10th year get nominated," he said. He credited the actors, the writers and the director -- David Platt directed all three performances -- as well as a TV academy policy that ensures that the judging panels actually watch the performances before voting. "I can't say how happy I am that the members of the panels see the tapes because this is the fairest way. It lets the performances speak, and apparently these spoke loudly."
Tom Hooper didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn to find out that he was nominated for directing HBO's miniseries "John Adams." He was in London working on "The Damned United," his upcoming film written by Peter Morgan, Hooper's "Longford" collaborator. "I found out, and then I got to go out to lunch and celebrate in a civilized way," he quipped. He said the subject matter resonates in America today. "I think one of the great things about doing this is having the chance through this story to have a dialogue about America's core values in an election year. What made me happy was I feel like the success of 'John Adams' is proof that people are more politically engaged this year and open to the complexity of America's political history. It wasn't a dumbed-down version of history." That history is something the British-born Hooper wasn't as familiar with before signing on to direct the mini. "I previously knew little about John Adams, but I think I was able to bring an fresh perspective, an outsider's perspective, to the story."
Compiled by Nellie Andreeva, Paul J. Gough, Karen Nicoletti, Kimberly Nordyke, Ray Richmond and Stephanie Robbins...
- 7/18/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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