Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Pilot Season: Ashley Greene Joins ABC's Americana

Dr. Oz isn't afraid of his detractors. In fact, on Thursday's show, he will confront several of them. On Thursday's episode, Dr. Oz discusses male health issues with the users of IHateDrOz.com, a website created by men who complain about the influence Dr. Oz has on their wives. In the exclusive clips below, Dr. Oz defends the importance of the lessons his program teaches and teaches hit haters the three different medical tests that every man should have performed. Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Mehmet OzThe Dr. Oz Show

The Avengers cast discuss their figures

The Avengers cast have been in the entire grip of the marketing obligations towards the movies large April release, and also have taken time to go over their various figures, and just how they'll fit together within the film in general.InchAvengers happens to be this type of hanging [factor]," states Robert Downey Junior. "What are the possibilities? I simply believe that it had been a remarkably ambitious notion. I am still attempting to, without moving backwards, recall the character that [Iron Guy and Iron Guy 2 director] Jon Favreau and that i produced, and become in keeping with that."For Chris Hemsworth, he reckons Thor is growing up just a little for that one. "He would be a petulant kind of kid at the outset of Thor," describes the star, "by the finish from it hopefully you leave thinking that he's matured and there is a grounded quality to him that wasn't there before.. He's [also] less than the odd one out around he is at Thor."Captain America, the guy displaced over time, has additionally gone through changes. ""Who he have on the planet?Inch asks Chris Evans. "Nobody. Rogers is type of based on his morals and values. Within the '40s there is really value on individuals things. Situations are a bit more impersonal nowadays."After which there is the Hulk. "[Bruce Banner] begins like he's sober inside a strange way," states Mark Ruffalo. "He's began another existence whenever we find him, and it is awesome. The trend is one thing that's like a weight binge - you awaken following a blackout and also you did all of this fucked up shit!"Excited? Yes, us too. The Avengers opens within the United kingdom on 26 April 2012.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Five 2012 Blockbusters Awaiting Oscar Gold

After the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expanded its Best Picture list beyond five nominees, the door opened for big-budget Hollywood blockbusters to score a prestigious Best Picture nomination. As I wrote last year, it was likely that the Academy broadened the Best Picture shortlist after Christopher Nolans opus, The Dark Knight, was cruelly snubbed in 2009. Since then, Avatar and Nolans own Inception have managed to score Best Pic nods. This year, all eyes were on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, since the film was the final in a critically acclaimed series that had never achieved the nomination before. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the film only earned technical nods and ultimately walked away from last night's Oscars completely empty-handed. However, 2012s line-up of big budget popcorn fare looks like it might once again yield some love from the Oscars. Which of this years blockbusters might possibly score an Oscar Best Picture nod next year? Check out five possible contenders after the jump! "The Dark Knight Rises" To say that expectations are high in the third and final film of Christopher Nolans much beloved Batman trilogy is like saying that Lady Gaga has an interesting fashion sense. After all, like weve said, it was the snub of critically and publically acclaimed The Dark Knight that likely triggered the Oscars committee to expand the Best Picture list. Were gonna sound like fanboys, but we dont really have any doubt that The Dark Knight Rises will be epic. So, the stage is set for a The Dark Knight Rises Best Picture nod. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" In any other year, we would be confident in saying that The Dark Knight Rises would take that one blockbuster nominee spot. But, in 2012, we have Peter Jacksons return to Middle Earth after Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, which only won all 11 (!) Oscars, including Best Picture, that it was nominated for. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first of a planned two-parter, so its likelier that The Hobbit: There and Back Again will score a nod. Still, the Academy clearly loves Middle Earth and the teaser trailer looks reassuringly familiar, so dont count out this powerhouse. "Prometheus" Speaking of impressive pedigree, Prometheus definitely is no slouch in this department. The film was conceived as a prequel to the iconic 1979 film, Alien, and has been hyped as a return to form for director Ridley Scott. That its a sci-fi-horror genre film (Oscar voters typically dont go for that sort of thing) will hold back its Oscar chances, but if Scott and his acclaimed cast of Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender do bring their A-game (the evocative teaser trailer looks promising), then we wouldnt be surprised if the film manages to scare its way to a nomination. "The Avengers" Combine Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and an assortment of other Marvel superheroes together with "Buffy" and "Firefly" creator Joss Whedon and what do you get? A geeks dream come true, of course, but also the possibility of a truly amazing Marvel comics movie. Typically, Marvel films are fun, enjoyable summer fare that are forgotten come awards season, but with Whedon having written and directed The Avengers, were crossing our fingers that he has created something special that perhaps Oscar voters will take to as well. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II" Its fair to say that the Twilight series is not the most loved movie franchise amongst critics, especially when you compare it contemporaries like Harry Potter. Still, given that "Breaking Dawn Part II" is the final film of the series, were expecting that director Bill Condon and stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner will up their game and perhaps surprise everyone with a great film. Which 2012 big-budget blockbuster do you think will score a Best Picture Oscar nomination? Tell us what you think in the comments section and on Twitter!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

'A Separation' is first Iranian Oscar-winner

Asghar Farhadis A Separation is the first Iranian film to win a foreign-language Oscar. Asghar Farhadi's family drama "A Separation" rolled through awards season with a string of prizes in the midst of highly tense relations between the United States and Iran. "A Separation" won the Golden Globe for foreign film, the Independent Spirit award for international film, and is the first Iranian film to win the foreign-language Oscar. Farhadi, speaking in both English and Farsi, paid tribute to the people of Iran who respect other cultures and reject the language of violence. Sandra Bullock made the presentation after speaking in German and saying that nominated films "speak to the common humanity in all of us." The Farsi-language pic, centered on a family's struggle to communicate while undergoing domestic crises, started its awards career a year ago in Berlin, where it won the Golden Bear for best film and Silver Bears for actor and actress. It's only the second Iranian film nominated in this category, the first being "Children of Heaven" in 1999. Response has been so strong to the film, originally titled "The Separation of Nader From Simin," that Farhadi also received an original screenplay Oscar nod. Sony Classics made the pic available to members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science's writing branch via download. Critics have touted Farhadi's ability to show profound insight into the Iranian social fabric via a relatively ordinary premise -- the break-up of a 14-year-old marriage. With no diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Iran, "A Separation" had a relatively low-key profile during the awards season. Though Farhadi is sanctioned by the state of Iran, which submitted the film for its official entry, Iranian officials have been cautious about wholeheartedly endorsing his recognition. Farhadi attracted notice for defending Iranian directors persecuted in their home country, but "A Separation" evaded censors with a more subtle critique of the government. Only Academy members who have seen all five contenders were able to take part in the voting for the field, which included "Monsieur Lazhar," from Canada, directed by Philippe Falardeau; "Footnote," from Israel, directed by Joseph Cedar; "In Darkness," from Poland, directed by Agnieszka Holland; and "Bullhead," from Belgium, directed by Michael Roskam. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

Pilot Season: Bill Pullman to Play the President in NBC's 1600 Penn

Jessica Simpson Jessica Simpson might be carrying pregnancy weight, but viewers will see a slimmer version of the singer when her reality competition show Fashion Star premieres in March. "I wasn't pregnant when we shot it. It will be amazing to see myself with a waistline," she said on a call Thursday, according to US Weekly. "I'll be like a big blob sitting on the couch watching myself thin." PHOTOS: Dramatic celebrity weight loss Being a blob doesn't sound all that stylish, which is why Simpson is considering creating a maternity line for the Jessica Simpson Collection. Does that mean no more mom jeans? "The point of launching a maternity line, for me, is to do something different," Simpson said. "I'm not buying any maternity clothes. I'm wearing all clothes that come in bigger sizes. I really want to make a maternity line that's comfortable, but really stylish for people, because I believe that we all deserve to feel good and look good." Perhaps she's been inspired by Fashion Star, which premieres Tuesday, March 13 at 9:30/8:30c on NBC. On the program, Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos mentor 14 designers who are vying to become the next fashion icon. Top American retailers will bid on the designs that will then be sold in stores the day after the show airs each week. Model Elle Macpherson hosts and executive-produces. Simpson is expecting her first child with fiance Eric Johnson.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

NBC Releases Awake Pilot Online Before Series Premiere

NBC’s Awake might be the most recent series pilot being put online while watching series premiere to drum up interest. Simply of the growing trend, the opening episode in the Kyle Killen-Howard Gordon’s parallel world drama starring Jason Isaacs continues to be provided a couple of days just before the series’ premiere on March 1. For individuals who've time or possibly your manager is away at this time, you can examine the pilot below. You might like to possess a pen and notebook handy, taking notes may be helpful in monitoring the twin story lines.

Ratings up from this past year

Getting a couple.3 national household rating, the 2006 syndie debut "Rachael Ray" marked the most effective premiere from the syndicated talkshow since CBS Television Distribution's "Dr. Phil" in 2002. Ever since then, no show has bested that opening, with only Sony's 2009 debuts of "Dr. Oz" tying time.Because people beginning, CTD's "Rachael Ray" has settled into the middle of the talk pack, ranking sixth from 13 talkshows getting single.7 live plus round-the-clock household rating inside the November sweep. That's up 6% compared to November 2010, together with an increase of roughly 100,000 audiences per episode, which now reaches roughly 2 million audiences.Possibly more to the stage, inside the key demographic of girls age groups 25 to 54, "Rachael Ray" expires 22% from November 2010.CTD recently guaranteed the immediate way ahead for "Rachael Ray," refreshing the top the 2013-14 season.The key factor for the steady ratings of "Rachael Ray" is its performance inside a couple of from the country's top areas. On Tribune's WGN Chicago at 10 a.m., the show expires 100% among houses or even more 170% among women 25-54, states Marty Wilke, WGN's leader-g.m."In my opinion the show has certainly accomplished good results within the 'Oprah' effect within Chicago," Wilke states. Chicago, which was its home, was really the only major market where "The famous host the famous host oprah" broadcast every morning. With "The famous host the famous host oprah" in the air, other shows, including Disney-ABC's "Live! With Kelly" additionally to "Rachael Ray," are getting in new audiences."Rachael Ray" can also be strong on ABC's WPVI Philadelphia, where it's up 25% among houses and 61% among women 25-54.However, two challenging areas for your show will be the country's top two urban centers: NY and La. On WABC NY, "Rachael Ray" at 10 a.m. draws the least expensive household ratings connected having a show round the station in daytime inside a 1.8, lower 13% from a year ago minimizing 48% in the "Live! With Kelly" lead-in.In La, a infamously tough daytime market, "Rachael Ray" was downgraded this season to CBS' KCAL at 8 a.m., where it's undertaking b .2 rating in houses. A year ago, the show broadcast on KCAL's government, KCBS, at 9 a.m. and completed b .9.'Rachael Ray' 1,000th EpisodeCook needed to startup company Ratings up from this past year Ray's favorite site visitors, moments Hot culinary brand branches out Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Kudos campaigning goes lower for the wire

Berenice Bejo in "The Artist" Allison Janney and Emma Stone in "The AssistanceInch 'Hugo'George Clooney in "The Descendants" 'Moneyball'It's easy to believe that "The Artist" has this honours season ended, given the quantity of experts honours and guild honors the film has collected since November, along with its sweep in the BAFTAs a week ago. Most bloggers have found the final outcome getting a dramatic yawn the best-picture Oscar is essentially certain for your black-and-white-colored quiet movie.Yet for just about any season that allegedly ended as soon as the nominations were introduced, there's still a lot of campaigning happening before Tuesday's 5 p.m. ballots deadline -- and not for your film which will seem to want it minimal.Although campaigner extraordinaire Harvey Weinstein has his ft firmly grown round the gas for "The Artist," he's keeping apace with formidable competition from "The Help,In . "Hugo," "Moneyball," among others. All of the films that are working very challenging to the trail achieve this because fortunes can alter quickly, even this late in the sport.The latest example was a year ago, when "The Social MediaInch collected a lot of honours before "The King's Speech" ultimately won best picture.This Season, el born area office might of "Avatar" wasn't enough to overcome out "The Hurt Locker," even though many mentioned in those days that voters would proceed and take opportunity to reward a film that was ideal for the industry's coffers. And many Oscar audiences were shocked a lot more 2005 "Crash" bested "Brokeback Mountain," that have formerly won the PGA, DGA, Spirits, Globes, BAFTA and Experts Choice honours.Further further complicating matters is really a couple of voters' inclination to return ballots before the deadline. A campaigner who's also an Academy member mentioned that lots of voters concept every nominated film making informed options, causeing this to be the other day of campaigning crucial. "Voters would rather spread their election around after they like every movie," the campaigner referred to."It's anyone's year" happens when another kudos consultant known for this Oscar season.This is why even though common understanding dictates that across-the-board major guild honours for "The Artist" seems to possess Weinstein Co. reason to wind down, there's nothing certain prior to the ballots are within reach of PwC's an accountant.InchDesignerInch star Jean Dujardin, that's been highly visible since October, hasn't proven any signs and signs and symptoms of slowing down lower lower since he won the Screen Stars Guild trophy within the month of the month of january, most recently developing a "Saturday Evening Live" cameo but nonetheless coping with London just before the BAFTAs the very next day. And director Michel Hazanvicius, producer Thomas Langmann and composer Ludovic Bource possess the signs and symptoms of spent more hours in La than Paris throughout the final four several days.The perceived leader, having a cast and crew of relative unknowns, needs to cope with George Clooney and Kaira Pitt making themselves readily available round the campaign trail. Two films each supply the best actor nominees -- each considered due for wins -- plenty of speaking points.Another honours consultant put it a little more candidly: "Films that have accomplished good results in nominations are the types that could escape the big guns. There's lots of George and Kaira it changed people opinions round the films."That is not despite the amount of press Martin Scorsese has for "Hugo." Academy voting precedent supports the film leading in noms is most likely to win best picture, the campaign for "Hugo" remains going strong.The not-so-incidental plus that sets "The Artist" apart gets Weinstein steering the campaign. While Pitt and Clooney shake hands and take interviews, Weinstein is making certain his "Artist" crew does from developing a spoof with Funny or Die to locating the very first "Created in the usaInch award within the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to be the sole real best-picture nominee shot in L.A. Clever positioning comprises that the pic lacks in star energy.While using deadline to submit ballots just days away, it's apparent that nobody takes anything without any consideration in this particular year's Oscar contest. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com