Wednesday, November 30, 2011

VIDEO: Ellen Witnesses Virgins' Frightening First Kiss at Their Wedding!

Virgin Diaries TLC is notorious for focusing on, shall we say, "unconventional" subjects (like this woman). Now comes The Virgin Diaries, premiering Sunday at 9/8c. As the title hints, the show follows couples who have saved themselves for marriage. One couple in particular, however, kisses - if you can call it that - for the first time on their wedding day.Ellen DeGeneres was so taken by the scene, she previewed it on her show. Check out the clip:

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Hollywood Wants Thanksgiving Bounty: Breaking Beginning #1 Again, The Muppets #2, Arthur Christmas #4, Scorseses Hugo #8

WEDNESDAY11 PM, second UPDATE: My sources are giving me these estimations for today’s movie openings as well as the 5-day Christmas. Already it’s searching just like a couple of from the new family fare won’t speed in the theatrical gate, departing a apparent path for Summit Entertainment’sholdover Twilight Saga Breaking Beginning Part 1 to win the weekend derby. Hollywood will havehissy fitsif north of manchester American box office slump keeps ongoing. The positive thing is the fact that audiences are giving reat CinemaScores to today’s opening photos: Disney’s rebootedThe Muppets acquired an ‘A’, and also the new the new sony Pictures’ Arthur Christmas an ‘A-’.However’m likely to hang about until Friday evening to draw in any major conclusions. Meanwhile, The Weinstein Co is platforming its Oscar-buzzed My Week With Marilyn today in 123 theaters and adds another 121 locations on Friday. Nevertheless it should do $150K today and around $2M for your 5-day holiday. The Weinstein Co’s other Academy awards-suggested film The Artist debuts in 4 locations tomorrow. Full analysis later: 1. Twilight Saga’s Breaking Beginning Part 1 (Summit) Week2 [4,066 Theaters] Wednesday $12.5M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $58M 2. The Muppets (Disney) NEW [3,440 Theaters] Wednesday $7.3M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $50M 3. Happy Foot Two 3d (Warner Bros) Week2 [3,606 Theaters] Wednesday $3M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $23M 4. Arthur Christmas 3d (The brand new the new sony Pictures) NEW [3,376 Theaters] Wednesday $2.8M, Estimated5-Day Holiday $22M 5. Immortals 3d (Relativity) Week3 [3,120 Theaters] Wednesday $2.2M, Thought 5-Day Holiday$15M 6. Jack & Jill (The brand new the new sony) Week3 [3,438 Theaters] Wednesday $2.1M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $15M 7. Puss In Boots 3d (DreamWorks Animation/Componen) Week5 [3,005 Theaters] Wednesday $2M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $15M 8. Hugo 3d (Vital) NEW [1,277 Theaters] Wednesday $1.6M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $11M 9. Tower Heist (Universal) Week4 [2,474 Theaters] Wednesday $1.4M, Thought 5-Day Holiday $10M 10. The Descendants (Fox Searchlight) Week2 [390 Theaters] Wednesday $1MK, Thought 5-Day Holiday $8M

Monday, November 21, 2011

Sweeps Roundup: November. 21-27

Katie Couric and Rhianna Fundamental necessities guest stars and occasions the systems have planned for your second week of November sweeps: Monday, November. 21 8/7cDancing while using Stars (ABC)It's the final week of performances for your remaining three stars: Make the most of Kardashian, Ricki Lake and J.R. Martinez. (Sadly, though, no Muppets!) Terra Nova (Fox)Jim discloses a vintage murder - and Taylor might be the best suspect. Plus: Dinosaurs! Rowr! 8:30/7:30cTwo Broke Women (CBS)Kat Dennings and Jesse Behr get yourself a break from people tacky polyester uniforms when Max and Caroline dress as mall elves to produce extra money. Oh, that's not just a relaxation, can it be? 9/8cYou Deserve It (ABC)Chris Harrison and Brooke Burns host this new game show where participants make an effort to win money for some individuals. That are these "others" that you just discuss? 10/9cCastle (ABC)Beckett's Publish distressing stress disorder signs and signs and symptoms escalate, but she is constantly hide it from everyone - similar to her passion for Castle. Squee! Hawaii Five- (CBS)Jimmy Buffett guest-stars just like a veteran pilot (who eats burgers and contains a pencil-thin mustache) who helps they save one which goes for them. Tuesday 8/7cLast Guy Standing (ABC)When Kyle "accidentally" falls asleep in Kristin's room carrying out a date, Mike sets more recent and much more effective your laws and regulations. NCIS (CBS)When Tony's father becomes a murder suspect, she must work discreetly to prove his dad's innocence. 9/8cDancing While using Stars (ABC)The Summer Season 13 Mirrorball trophy is offered to J.R., er, the champion. Wednesday 8/7c Survivor: South Off-shoreline (CBS)Become popular the summer season up to now getting a highlights and recap show. 9/8cThe Finest Loser: Where Is It Now? (NBC)Discover in case your preferred participants saved in the weight in this update on past players, which features bloopers and behind-the-moments shenanigans. Modern Family (ABC)Phil goes all It's a Wonderful Existence when he imagines another future, which hopefully includes both a powerful massage practice together with an expert cheerleading career. 9:30/8:30cHappy Being (ABC)Make the most of Riggle guest-stars becoming an offbeat (but furthermore possibly just a little off) mail carrier who befriends Dork and Kaira. Thursday 8/7cCharlie Brown Thanksgiving (ABC)Watch the classic Peanuts tale through which Snoopy and Woodstock prepare toast and popcorn for harvest feast. Ice Age: Mammoth Christmas (Fox)Thanksgiving is actually 10 mins ago you are prepared to celebrate Christmas using this new animated special inspired with the large-screen hit starring John Leguizamo and Ray Romano. Dr. Seuss' Horton Learns a Who! (NBC)Did you know this time around around-honored kids story is certainly an allegory for publish-World War Ii relations between Japan as well as the U.S.? No? Well, it provides a really cute elephant within it. 8:30/7:30cHappiness Can be a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown (Fox)Inside the first Peanuts special produced without any participation of creator Charles Schulz (ruh-roh), Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy make an effort to help Linus quit his security blanket. 9:30/8:30cThe Simpsons (Fox)When Homer as well as the kids aren't participating in the holiday spirit, Marge sends instructions to Martha Claus (voiced by Martha Stewart) towards saving your family Christmas. Katy Perry comprises a cameo. A Very Gaga Thanksgiving (ABC)In this 90-minute special, Katie Couric interviews the mercurial pop star, who works eight tunes, plus a duet with Tony Bennett, and prepares a Thanksgiving dinner of deep-friend chicken and waffles with chef Art Cruz. 10/9cThe 85th Anniversary in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC)Matt Lauer hosts this retrospective in the favorite floats and performances from parades past.Friday 8/7cShrek the next (ABC)Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots search for the rightful heir for the throne in this DreamWorks threquel. Hoops and YoYo Ruin Christmas (CBS)A bunny-and-cat duo (possibly you know them utilizing their appearance on Hallmark hand crafted cards) become accidental stowaways on Santa's sleigh in this animated special presented with the Hallmark Funnel. Synergy!Iron Guy (Fox)Just like a tribute for the iron-clad metabolism (how do i person consume a lot stuffing?), watch Robert Downey Junior. within the shiny suit while experiencing some leftovers. National Treasure Book of Secrets (NBC)Inside the follow-around Disney's fun-time family hit, Nicolas Cage & Co. search for the legendary Lost Capital of scotland - Gold. Grandmother Got Exceed having a Reindeer (CW)In this animated interpretation in the novelty holiday song, Mike searches for his grandmother so they can save her Christmas shop from on offer by his greedy cousin. 8:30/7:30cThe Elf available: An Elf's Story (NBC)This animated special, good best-selling children's book, posits that each child features a small live-in elf who watches them after which it reviews to Santa. Creepy little tattle-tale. 9/8cOlive, another Reindeer (CW) Came Barrymore voices this tale of a dog who want to complete with an hurt Blitzen on Santa's sleigh team and save Christmas. Sunday 8/7cMitch Albom's Have a very Little Belief (ABC)Bradley Whitford stars as Albom themselves in this story in the existence-altering bonds the author produced utilizing a rabbi (Martin Landau) together with a preacher (Laurence Fishburne) he met while writing a column. The Astounding Race (CBS)Eat waffles, chocolate and beer for your show's first trip to Belgium. After which it provide!

Friday, November 18, 2011

AMPAS Foundation distributes fest grants

The Academy Foundation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Friday that it has awarded $455,000 to 25 U.S. film festivals for the 2012 calendar year, including multiyear grants to the Cleveland and Chicago Intl. Film Festivals and $30,000 to the L.A. Film Festival to fund free screenings. Focused on making festival events more accessible and connecting filmmakers to the general public, the foundation distributes more than $1 million each year to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. The Cleveland Intl. Film Festival will receive $150,000 over three years for its Focus on Filmmakers program; the Chicago Intl. Film Festival is in its second year of a multiyear grant, receiving $150,000 in total for its World Cinema Spotlight program. Other Hollywood-adjacent festivals also received grants, including $20,000 each for Outfest, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara. Since its establishment in 1999, the Academy's Festival Grants Program has distributed 277 grants totaling $4.85 million in funding. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Jersey Shore's The Issue Suing Abercrombie & Fitch for $4 Million

Mike "The ProblemInch Sorrentino Mike "The ProblemInch Sorrentino of Jersey Shoreline is suing Abercrombie & Fitch for the tune of $4 million, according to court papers acquired by E! News.The suit originates from a disagreement the clothing label launched in August - something many considered a publicity stunt -- titled "Abercrombie & Fitch Proposes victory-Win Situation." The release pointed out, "We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's link with our brand could potentially cause significant injury to our image. We understand the show is ideal for entertainment reasons, but believe this association is unlike the aspirational character within our brand, and can be distressing to quite a few fans."The Issue to guest-star on SuburgatoryThe company then decided to pay Sorrentino, furthermore for the show's producers, not to use the label. According to his legal team, this offer was not ever extended.Sorrentino's suit claims that Abercrombie & Fitch sells T-t t shirts featuring the Jersey Shoreline-produced slogan "GTL...You Understand the offerInch while others that read, "The Fitchuation." His lawyers are calling it a breach from the client's trademarked Jersey Shoreline catchphrases.Have a look at photos in the Situation"Consequently of [Abercrombie & Fitch's] publicity campaign, [the shop] are earning money by using an incorrect affiliation with Sorrentino," his legal team states. "It's wrongly used Sorrentino's title, image and likeness to advertise reasons in breach of relevant law."Sorrentino and also the team are wanting for just about any jury trial, $millions of royalty, and $3 million in damages.Abercrombie & Fitch did not immediately respond to demands for comment.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Descendants' Judy Greer on her behalf Memorable First Ending up in George Clooney and 2 . 5 Males

There's always been something innately memorable about actress Judy Greer. The strangely enough beautiful actress with razor-sharp timing, a scene-stealer in from What Women Wish to Arrested Development, carries a fundamental melancholy behind her eyes that gives the best figures much deeper layers and also the outrageous ones a much better feeling of unpredictability, whether in comedies or, progressively, in dramatic fare. So perhaps she was created to stay in an Alexander Payne movie such as the Descendants, which flits backwards and forwards across the painful edge between tragedy and humor with techniques that feel completely, and achingly, human. The Descendants (modified by Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash from Kaui Hart Hemmings novel of the identical title) stars George Clooney as Matt King, an attorney and father of two in Hawaii caught inside a crisis when he finds out his comatose wife’s infidelity. Comedy and tears ensue and intertwine in classic Payne style as King finds out the bittersweetness of regret, understanding and forgiveness, assisted by co-star Judy Greer’s turn as Julie Speer, the unwitting 4th corner within this love quadrangle. Movieline spoken with Greer concerning the Descendants, her memorable first meeting — and love scene — with co-star Clooney for 1999’s Three Nobleman, her favorite theater and moviegoing habits, and why, after guest-starring on Season 4 of 2 . 5 Males, she came back towards the series within the wake of Charlie Sheen’s departure. It’s fun to help you within the Descendants, since you share much of your moments with George Clooney — That’s fun for me personally too, incidentally! Also it calls in your thoughts the prior time you and also he shared a scene, in Three Nobleman. I understand! It had been strange! It had been fun to determine him again and discuss that and just how youthful I had been at that time after i shot that scene. It had been maybe 12 years back? It’s an unforgettable scene. Also it’s the very first time the thing is his character, or are brought to him. It’s type of amazing — he’s making love with a few girl! We spoken about how exactly I acquired the part and the very first time I met him. I had been like, I couldn’t believe I met you and also they literally stated, ‘You’ve got the part — you now’ve reached come rehearse this scene with George Clooney,’ where these were already practicing with Nora Dunn and Mykelti Williamson. These were like, ‘Here he's — now use the restroom and everyone are pretending to have sexual intercourse plus they barge in you, action!’ And That I’m like, ‘Wait, I acquired the part? And That I use with George Clooney who I’ve looked at each week on E.R.??’ I had been losing it. We chuckled about this. You’re mostly noted for comedy had you been searching for anything specific once the role within the Descendants fell across your lap? I first got it from my agent, who sent me the script and stated that they setup this audition for me personally. Clearly i was all really looking forward to it. Perhaps a couple of years before I'd pointed out it may be fun to try and search for more dramatic roles… some more compact roles either in good-sized movies or independent movies, so I possibly could attempt to exercise that muscle a bit. I’m not to imply that’s why The Descendants came my way it could came my way anyway. But which was something which I had been positively searching to locate. Your role can be quite effective, thinking about that people aren’t brought to you until well in to the film. However it’s this type of potent part she plays this type of pivotal role within the resolution of Matt King’s mission for closure. How can you take a look at a job such as this and also the function it serves? Well, I didn’t really consider its function within the movie after i was shooting it. I simply think it is so awesome it is at there, it had been this type of great role which was so well crafted and well-rounded, as well as in such a tiny bit of moments. That’s so difficult to do! You may be number 1 around the call sheet inside a movie and never contribute that’s that well-written, you realize? But having seen the film cut together and everything I see that certain of my functions within the movie appears to become to obtain George to protect his wife, and also to stick up on her, and also to ultimately leave behind her. For the amount of time that we understand her, she appears such as the best individual around. Everybody else is hiding something, or angry, or battling some way. But even her story is tinged with both comedy and sadness. If this finally arrives of her, it’s amusing and heartbreaking at the same time. I believe that’s what's so amazing about Alexander’s movies they discover the perfect tone. He’s brilliant at creating both beautiful, poignant moments that finish in laughter, that may begin in tears and finish in laughter or begin in laughter and finish with tears. And that he never really informs his audience things to consider anything. He simply presents a choice of the situation. He’s not heavy handed together with his music options in movies, he’s not heavy handed considering the variety of words that emerge from a personality’s mouth. Rather than showing a scene in which the young girl, Scottie, states goodbye to her mother, he shows her walking in to the room together with her older sister. And guess what happens’s going to take place. You're able to use fantasy, and maybe even have a memory out of your own existence and set it for the reason that place whether it’s something you taken care of immediately or perhaps an experience that’s really happened for you. But he provides you with the liberty to apply your brain and that i love that. I really like he makes me area of the storytelling due to what he doesn’t show. You’re right. Which scene’s lovely since the seem just fades the family’s ultimate conversations remain private, which amplifies the theme of releasing of the family members inside a deeply personal way. I understand. It’s about forgiveness also it’s about releasing. I believe that’s an effective way of putting it. It’s additionally a transitional phase story for any boy who is actually half a century old. Rather than being that Holden Caulfield character just from prep school, we’re obtaining a guy who’s resided 1 / 2 of his existence and needs to begin again.

The Biz: The Scoop on CBS's New Morning Show

Charlie Rose, Gayle King Charlie Rose states his status like a evening owl is greatly exaggerated. The co-host from the new CBS morning program (to become re-named in the Early Show) which will launch The month of january 9 told reporters Tuesday that he's up everyday at 5 a.m. - just a little late for morning television prep, but nonetheless pretty early. He stated the executive producer of his PBS show can be it, as she's been peppered with e-mails within the pre-beginning hrs. His job will not require a lot of an adjustment as some gossip columnists have thought. "I don't possess the type of lifestyle that lots of people imagine me to possess,Inch Rose stated. Rose, who'll continue his PBS talk show, will need to reduce moderating conferences and sections that need him to visit. But when this is an interesting gathering or news-making interview, CBS will require the morning show on the highway. You will see more changes for CBS's other new co-host, Gayle King, who'll steer the 8 a.m. hour from the new CBS program. King can give up her daily satellite radio program, which will get simulcast around the OWN cable network. "I truly plan to give this the interest it warrants," stated King. King also noted it was fair to visualize that famous closest friend The famous host oprah Winfrey will from time to time appear. "If she does not invite her, I'll,Inch stated Rose. The brand new CBS show may have two holdovers in the Early Show. Erica Hill would be the third co-host, sitting with Rose within the more news-oriented first hour, while news anchor Shaun Glor turns into a special correspondent. Saturday Early Show co-anchor Rebecca Jarvis is going to be business and financial aspects correspondent while network news veteran John Burns assists as senior correspondent. The brand new program's format continues to be changing, but CBS News professionals are promising that it'll be heavy on discussion and fewer determined by the creamy elements and stunts usually connected with network morning programs (it's unlikely that you will see karaoke contests, wedding ceremonies or Halloween outfits). But CBS News leader Shaun Fager was careful to not exclude any subjects. "We are not likely to do cooking segments," he stated. "Shall we be likely to have great chefs onto discuss food? Yes." Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Aaron Tveit To Star In USAs Shaun Eastin Pilot, 2 Join Showtimes Masters & Manley

EXCLUSIVE: Aaron Tveit is placed to star in USA Systems untitled hourlong pilot from Whitened Collar creator Shaun Eastin. The project, from Fox TV Galleries, follows agents from various federal and native agencies (DEA, FBI, LAPD) who all live in an undercover house in Los Angeles. Tveit will have Mike Warren, a freshly minted FBI agent just from the Academy and dripping wet behind the ears. Like Whitened Collar, Eastins new project has two primary leads, with Tveit playing one of these. The cast-contingency around the project is going to be lifted when both key roles are cast. Tveit is better noted for his roles within the Broadway productions of Alongside Normal and Catch Me If You're Able To and the recurring part on Gossip Girl. His feature credits include Ghost Town and Howl. Raising The Bar alum Teddy Sears and Nick DAgosto (Heroes) have became a member of Paul Bettany in Showtimes pilot Masters & Manley. The project, from The new sony Pictures TV, is definitely an adaptation of Thomas Maiers book Masters of Sex: The Existence And Occasions Of William Masters And Virginia Manley, The Pair Who Trained America How You Can Love. It stories the lives, romance and popular culture trajectory of sixties human sexuality pioneers Masters (Bettany) and Manley, whose research touched from the sexual revolution. Sears and D’Agosto will have doctors who use the happy couple. Sears, repped by APA and manager Sandy Erickson, is recurring on Forex’s American Horror Story opposite Zachary Quinto as well as on CBS’ Blue Bloods.

Monday, November 14, 2011

FEINBERG FORECAST: 'War Horse,' 'Extremely Loud,' 'Dragon Tattoo,' 'Iron Lady' and 'Blood and Honey' Remain Question Marks

JoJo WhildenMargin Call What follows is my latest assessment of all of the high-profile Oscar categories, along with commentary about what/who has the most positive and negative momentum at the moment in each of them. I welcome your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the post.our editor recommendsBehind the Scenes of THR's Actress Roundtable 2011'J. Edgar' Premiere Red Carpet ArrivalsThe Help's Retro, Southern Style BEST PICTURE Frontrunners The Artist (The Weinstein Company, 11/23, TBA, trailer) The Descendants (Fox Searchlight, 11/23, R, trailer) The Help (Disney, 8/12, PG-13, trailer) Midnight in Paris (Sony Pictures Classics, 5/20, PG-13, trailer) War Horse (Disney, 12/25, PG-13, trailer) Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Warner Brothers, 12/25, TBA, trailer) The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Sony, 12/21, TBA, trailer) Moneyball (Columbia, 9/23, TBA, trailer) J. Edgar (Warner Brothers, 11/11, R, trailer) The Ides of March (Sony, 10/14, TBA, trailer) Major Threats Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (Focus Features, 12/9, TBA, trailer) The Tree of Life (Fox Searchlight, 5/27, PG-13, trailer) Shame (Fox Searchlight, 12/2, NC-17, trailer) Margin Call (Roadside Attractions, 10/21, R, trailer) NEW Hugo (Paramount, 11/23, TBA, trailer) The Iron Lady (The Weinstein Company, 12/30, TBA, teaser) 50/50 (Summit, 9/30, R, trailer) Young Adult (Paramount, 12/9, TBA, trailer) Possibilities Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2 (Warner Brothers, 7/15, PG-13, trailer) Super 8 (Paramount, 6/10, PG-13, trailer) In the Land of Blood and Honey (FilmDistrict, 12/23, R, trailer) Drive (FilmDistrict, 9/16, R, trailer) Beginners (Focus Features, 6/3, R, trailer) NEW Carnage (Sony Pictures Classics, 12/16, R, trailer) The Adventures of Tintin (Paramount, 12/21, TBA, trailer) We Bought a Zoo (20th Century Fox, 12/23, TBA, trailer) After a mixed-response to its first screening at the NY Film Festival as a not-yet-finished film, Martin Scorsese's now-completed 3-D adaptation has been going over much more strongly of late. One never wants to bet against a project that stars Meryl Streep, but it has taken an unsettlingly long time for Phyllida Lloyd's biopic of Margaret Thatcher to get finished, trailered, and screened. BEST DIRECTOR Frontrunners Alexander Payne (The Descendants) Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris) Steven Spielberg (War Horse) Tate Taylor (The Help) Major Threats Stephen Daldry (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) David Fincher (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Bennett Miller (Moneyball) Clint Eastwood (J. Edgar) George Clooney (The Ides of March) Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) Martin Scorsese (Hugo) Possibilities Tomas Alfredson (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) J.C. Chandor (Margin Call) NEW Steve McQueen (Shame) Phyllida Lloyd (The Iron Lady) Jason Reitman (Young Adult) Roman Polanski (Carnage) Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) Steven Spielberg (The Adventures of Tintin) Cameron Crowe (We Bought a Zoo) PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of THR's Actress Roundtable 2011 He is not well known among his peers -- indeed, this was his feature directorial debut -- but strong best picture contenders like The Help almost always carry along their director on their coattails, and his film certainly fits that description. Tintin's North American premiere at AFI Fest confirmed that it is a film with huge box-office potential -- and that its helmer's chances for a seventh best director nod rest solely with War Horse. BEST ACTOR Frontrunners Jean Dujardin (The Artist) George Clooney (The Descendants) Brad Pitt (Moneyball) Leonardo DiCaprio (J. Edgar) Michael Fassbender (Shame) Major Threats Michael Shannon (Take Shelter) Gary Oldman (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) Woody Harrelson (Rampart) Ryan Gosling (The Ides of March) Ryan Gosling (Drive) Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50) Ralph Fiennes (Coriolanus) Possibilities Paul Giamatti (Win Win) Daniel Craig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Owen Wilson (Midnight in Paris) Demian Bichir (A Better Life) Thomas Horn (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) Zachary Quinto (Margin Call) NEW Matt Damon (We Bought a Zoo) True, he still can't speak much English, but that hasn't kept him from attending virtually every possible gladhanding opportunity, just like Roberto Benigni and Marion Cotillard in years past, and things worked out quite nicely for them. I'm hearing that the star of War Horse -- which will begin screening for press at the end of this month -- is not its leading man (who apparently does a perfectly fine job with limited screen time), but rather its title character. BEST ACTRESS Frontrunners Viola Davis (The Help) Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) Michelle Williams (My Week with Marilyn) Glenn Close (Albert Nobbs) Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Major Threats Keira Knightley (A Dangerous Method) Elizabeth Olsen (Martha Marcy May Marlene) Charlize Theron (Young Adult) Michelle Yeoh (The Lady) Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin) Possibilities Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre) Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia) Adepero Oduye (Pariah) Ellen Barkin (Another Happy Day) Rachel Weisz (The Whistleblower) Vera Farmiga (Higher Ground) Nobody has been more a trouper on the awards trail this year than the five-time nominee, who has hobknobbed around the world on behalf of her film (she's picked up no fewer than three career achievement awards at this point), and who was a hit at Saturday's Governors Awards. Unfortunately, Cannes' best actress winner has been unable to get out from under the shadow of her director Lars von Trier's Nazi-sympathizing comments, which come up in conversation every time her film or performance does. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Frontrunners Christopher Plummer (Beginners) Albert Brooks (Drive) Stanley Tucci (Margin Call) NEW Jeremy Irons (Margin Call) NEW Kevin Spacey (Margin Call) NEW Major Threats Max von Sydow (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) Armie Hammer (J. Edgar) Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn) Tom Hanks (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) John Hawkes (Martha Marcy May Marlene) Jonah Hill (Moneyball) Patton Oswalt (Young Adult) Nick Nolte (Warrior) Possibilities Andy Serkis (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) Christoph Waltz (Carnage) John C. Reilly (Carnage) Jim Broadbent (The Iron Lady) Brad Pitt (The Tree of Life) George Clooney (The Ides of March) Viggo Mortensen (A Dangerous Method) The last few years have proven that actors are rewarded in the supporting actor category for being bad -- or at least playing bad boys, like Brooks's homocidal psychopath. See: Javier Bardem, Heath Ledger, Christoph Waltz, and Christian Bale. There are few better actors than Mortensen, but this intellectually-demanding film and his brief but nuanced performance in it both seem to have gotten lost in the shuffle. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Frontrunners Octavia Spencer (The Help) Berenice Bejo (The Artist) Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) Jessica Chastain (The Help) Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs) Major Threats Vanessa Redgrave (Coriolanus) Sandra Bullock (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) Carey Mulligan (Shame) Evan Rachel Wood (The Ides of March) Judy Greer (The Descendants) Jessica Chastain (The Tree of Life) Possibilities Jodie Foster (Carnage) Kate Winslet (Carnage) Marion Cotillard (Midnight in Paris) Emily Watson (War Horse) Judi Dench (J. Edgar) Scarlett Johansson (We Bought a Zoo) True, the Emmy winner's performance is not of the sort that usually registers with the Academy -- but the same was true of Robert Downey Jr.'s in Tropic Thunder, and he made the cut. Likability matters, too, and McCarthy, like Downey, oozes it. The Dame has appeared this year in three noteworthy films -- Jane Eyre, My Week with Marilyn, and J. Edgar -- which is pretty amazing for a 76-year-old. Unfortunately, none of her parts have had quite enough meat on the bones to merit a nomination. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Frontrunners Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash (The Descendants) Tate Taylor (The Help) Richard Curtis, Lee Hall (War Horse) Eric Roth (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) Steven Zaillian (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) Major Threats Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) George Clooney, Grant Heslov (The Ides of March) Bridget O'Connor, Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) John Logan (Hugo) Pedro Almodovar (The Skin I Live In) Hossein Amini (Drive) Possibilities Roman Polanski (Carnage) Christopher Hampton (A Dangerous Method) Cameron Crowe, Aline Brosh McKenna (We Bought a Zoo) James Ellroy, Oren Moverman (Rampart) John Logan (Coriolanus) There probably isn't any category in which The Descendants is more likely to be recognized than this one -- Payne, who is about as revered a screenwriter as there is, was nominated in it twice before, winning for Sideways (2004). I saw this film on the opening night of the NY Film Festival and liked it quite a lot, but the general consensus seems to be that it pales in comparison to God of Carnage, the Tony winning stage play that inspired it. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Frontrunners Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) Woody Allen (Midnight in Paris) Dustin Lance Black (J. Edgar) J.C. Chandor (Margin Call) NEW Mike Mills (Beginners) Major Threats Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy Mae Marlene) Abi Morgan, Steve McQueen (Shame) Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) Diablo Cody (Young Adult) Tom McCarthy, Joe Tiboni (Win Win) James Ward Byrkit, John Logan, Gore Verbinski (Rango) Drake Doremus, Ben York Jones (Like Crazy) Possibilities Annie Mumolo, Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) Will Reiser (50/50) Asghar Farhadi (A Separation) Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady) J.J. Abrams (Super 8) Dee Rees (Pariah) His poignant script is based largely on his own experiences -- for instance, his own elderly father, like the character played by Plummer in the film, came out of the closet to him shortly before dying of cancer -- a talking point that plays very well in Q&As and interviews. Very few foreign language films have managed to score an Oscar nod outside of the foreign language category, and this worthy winner of the Berlin Film Festival seems unlikely to buck that trend. BEST ANIMATED FILM (FEATURE) Frontrunners Rango (Paramount, 3/4, PG, trailer) The Adventures of Tintin (Paramount, 12/21, PG, trailer) Cars 2 (Disney, 6/24, G, trailer) Happy Feet 2 (Warner Brothers, 11/18, PG, trailer) Puss in Boots (DreamWorks, 11/4, PG, trailer) Major Threats Arthur Christmas (Sony, 11/23, PG, trailer) Kung Fu Panda 2 (DreamWorks, 5/26, PG, trailer) Rio (20th Century Fox, 4/15, G, trailer) Possibilities Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked (20th Century Fox, 12/11, TBA, trailer) Winnie the Pooh (Disney, 7/15, G, trailer) The Smurfs (Sony, 7/29, PG, trailer) The Lion of Judah (Animated Family Films, 6/3, TBA, trailer) BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM (FEATURE) Frontrunners The Interrupters (The Cinema Guild, 7/29, TBA, trailer) Project Nim (Roadside Attractions, 7/8, PG-13, trailer) Senna (Producers Distribution Agency, 8/12, PG-13, trailer) Buck (IFC Films, 6/17, PG, trailer) Into the Abyss (Sundance Selects, 11/11, TBA, TBA) Major Threats If a Tree Falls (Oscilloscope, 6/22, TBA, trailer) Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (Submarine Deluxe, TBA, trailer) Bill Cunningham NY (Zeitgeist Films, 3/16, TBA, trailer) The Island President (Samuel Goldwyn Films, 11/8, TBA, TBA) Better This World (Bullfrog Films, 8/26, TBA, trailer) Koran by Heart (HBO Documentary Films, TBA, TBA, trailer) Tabloid (Sundance Selects, 7/15, R, trailer) Page One: Inside the NY Times (Magnolia, 6/24, TBA, trailer) We Were Here (Red Flag Releasing, 9/?, TBA, trailer) Hell and Back Again (Docurama Films, 10/5, TBA, trailer) Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (HBO Documentary Films, TBA, TBA, trailer) Possibilities The Rescuers (Menemsha Films, TBA, TBA, trailer) The Bully Project (The Weinstein Company, TBA, TBA, trailer) Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel (Anchor Bay Films, 10/16, TBA, trailer) Magic Trip (Magnolia, 8/5, TBA, trailer) The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 (Sundance Selects, 9/9, TBA, trailer) Hot Coffee (HBO Documentaries, 6/27, TBA, trailer) Pearl Jam Twenty (Abramorama, 9/20, R, trailer) Bobby Fischer Against the World (HBO Documentary Films, TBA, TBA, TBA) The Whale (Paladin, TBA, TBA, TBA) Revenge of the Electric Car (Westmidwest Productions, TBA, TBA, trailer) The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (Sony Pictures Classics, 4/22, PG-13, trailer) Still Seeking Domestic Distribution Bombay Beach The Carrier Footnote Semper Fi: Always Faithful (trailer) BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Frontrunners A Separation (Iran) Where Do We Go Now? (Lebanon) Le Havre (Finland) A Simple Life (Hong Kong) In Darkness (Poland) Major Threats Monsieur Lazhar (Canada) Declaration of War (France) Footnote (Israel) Pina (Germany) The Flowers of War (China) Happy, Happy (Norway) Terra Firma (Italy) Sonny Boy (Netherlands) Superclasico (Denmark) Possibilities Bullhead (Belgium) NEW Black Bread (Spain) Postcard (Japan) Omar Killed Me (Morocco) The Turin Horse (Hungary) Once Upon a Time in Anatolia (Turkey) Montevideo: Taste of a Dream (Serbia) Morgen (Romania) War Horse The Help J. Edgar

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: 'Blue Velvet' Blu-Ray Outtakes

Who can forget the classic chuckle-fest that was David Lynch's hallucinogenic portrait of the American small town, "Blue Velvet"? Turn out, it was a blast to make. In this exclusive outtakes featurette from the upcoming extra-loaded Blu-ray release of the 1986 classic, we get to the see the lighter side of a movie that begins with the discovery of a severed human ear. The 25th Anniversary Blu-ray, which is available in stores today (November 8), includes an interesting bloopers reel from the feel film. The "Blue Velvet" Blu-ray is packed with a ton of extras worth checking out. In addition to the bloopers reel, the release offers 50 minutes of previously unreleased deleted scenes. These include one of David Lynch's favorite scenes that never was, in which a woman lights her nipples on fire. Oh, "Blue Velvet," up to your same old tricks 25 years later! "Blue Velvet" is available on Blu-ray today (November 8). What did you think of the bloopers? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Red Granite Pictures: Duo combine investment savvy with creative juice

Joey McFarland & Riza AzizRed Granite Pictures chairman/CEO Riza Aziz and vice chairman Joey McFarland are off to a rock-solid start, just a year after they launched the shingle in September 2010. Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions nabbed the Red Granite's recent Toronto fest debut "Friends With Kids," a $10 million ensemble comedy featuring Jon Hamm and Kristen Wiig. It follows their revival of the aborted $75 million biopic "The Wolf of Wall Street," with friend Leonardo DiCaprio again attached to star and produce alongside Emjag Prods. It's a fitting project for the two finance vets, who formed the banner after being approached to fund several projects. "We're investor-savvy and know how to make movies the right way," Aziz says. "I think that's what made (DiCaprio) believe in us."The somewhat unlikely pair (recent London transplant and HSBC investment banker Aziz hails from Malaysia, private equity vet McFarland from Kentucky) recruited Nu Image's Danny Dimbort and Christian Mercuri to launch an international sales arm earlier this year, and Millennium's Joe Gatta to serve as the shingle's production prexy.Despite their background, they say they aren't just moneymen, giving creative input other films."We're not (going to be) pigeonholed into one genre or budget range," says McFarland, who expects to announce an ambitious slate of films in Berlin. "We want to make commercial, mainstream, high-pedigree films that read well on the page." -- Gregg Goldstein10 PRODUCERS TO WATCH 2011Jason Michael Berman | Borderline Films | Tyler Davidson & Sophia Lin | James Gay-Rees | Lawrence Inglee | Red Granite Pictures | Laura Rister | Jonathan Schwartz | Diarmid Scrimshaw | Kevin Walsh Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Borderline Films: Trio maps out distinctive route

Antonio Campos, Sean Durkin and Josh MondDon't tell Borderline Films producers Antonio Campos, Sean Durkin and Josh Mond that you have a divide between commercial and arthouse fare."The notion that people a few things are believed separate is frustrating," Durkin states. "I really don't think developing a film getting a studio or developing a film on our own matters as extended as everyone is on one page. There's a middle ground."The Three principals named their Brooklyn-based feature, commercial and musicvideo production outfit Borderline becoming an homage with this conviction. They're also adamant about being a collective.While one directs, another two produce, and rotate accordingly.Their latest project, "Martha Marcy May Marlene," which Durkin written and directed, has gotten the kind of buzz that films -- of indie or studio origin -- crave.Among Sundance's finest success tales, "Martha," created for a modest $600,000, quickly agreed to Fox Searchlight for reported $1.6 000 0000 within the month of the month of january.The shingle has furthermore just signed a couple-year, first-look deal with Fox Searchlight."This may appear as an abrupt (success story), but it is been eight years of taking little steps," Durkin states.People little steps began when the trio were NYU film students."Lots of our first conversations were about creating a production company," Mond states. "I had been very business oriented immediately. It absolutely was never a conscious thought -- we produce our personal work which could it be.InchIn spite of their student status, in 2004 the trio tried to mount a component referred to as "Laid," a greater-school laffer starring Jonah Hill within the first feature role. Ultimately, financing fell through."By using their process we learned that which you could,In . Campos states. "The fact this didn't exercise only made that bond a lot more effective."The Three didn't waste finding their next project. "Purchase It Now" -- a short created for $1,000 written and directed by Campos and shot by Durkin -- won the most effective Cinefondation prize within the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. three years later, Campos' feature "Afterschool" (Durkin and Mond produced) first demonstrated in Not Sure Regard at Cannes.Using the wealth of "Martha," Borderline is much more busy than in the past. The Three producers are developing scripts and so are in publish-production on Campos' "Simon Killer," starring Brady Corbet just like a guy who moves to Paris carrying out a breakup and contains an affair getting a prostitute.10 PRODUCERS To Check Out 2011Jason Michael Berman Borderline Films Tyler Davidson & Sophia Lin James Gay-Rees Lawrence Inglee Red-colored-colored Granite Pictures Laura Rister Jonathan Schwartz Diarmid Scrimshaw Kevin Walsh Contact Addie Morfoot at news@variety.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

'Wheels' reels Them in

Philip Burke practices his goal. Anson Mount, right, cleans up for AMC's Charlie Collier. Common works in the "Hell on Wheels" after-party. The cast and designers of AMC's approaching Western series "Hell on Wheels" looked dapper at Thursday's Regal L.A. Live preem, far using their muddy filming experience of Calgary, Alberta. "Nobody ever stated filming a Western is really a clean business," stated Anson Mount, who plays charge. "I'm able to demonstrate the rings during my bath tub to prove it." However the production had its advantages. "It provided us a lot of fun whenever we were off work," Common stated. "To become together, have awesome places to visit, it felt like college." In the Union Station Harvey House after-party, professional producer Jeremy Gold stated he's crossing his fingers that the roll-out of siblings Joe and Tony Gayton may have another season. And thus was Phil Burke, whose character has yet to wield guns. "I have to speak with people about this,Inch Burke stated. "When the showbiz gods are willing, season two, I'll acquire some guns and possibly a equine, maybe two horses. Actually, I believe I'm able to ride together on two horses." - Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com