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For the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, everything old is new again.
Sid Ganis, President of the Academy, announced today that the number of best picture nominees will be increasing from 5 to 10. "After more than six decades, the Academy is returning to some of its earlier roots, when a wider field competed for the top award of the year," Ganis told the press. "The final outcome, of course, will be the same -- one Best Picture winner - but the race to the finish line will feature 10, not just five, great movies from 2009."
Until the 1940s, the Oscars nominated 10 films for best picture every year, allowing for the recognition of a wide array of cinematic styles. This change could potentially lead to more diversity among nominees, making the selection process harder than ever.
Could having 5 more nominees take away from the quality and prestige of the Best Picture category? Or will it make the Oscars even more exciting to watch? Talk to us!
"At some point, you feel comfortable and say, 'This is the choice I want to make,'" John Mayer said, about going uber-public with girlfriend Jennifer Aniston at the Oscars. "I think a year is a pretty good period of time with which to say, 'Let's go have a really good time at the Oscars!' "
A year, huh? Now we're getting somewhere.
John told Ryan Seacrest on Ry's radio show this morning that going to the event was a big deal -- even for him.
"You can go from a Grammy winner to a water boy when you walk into the Kodak Theatre on Oscar night," the crooner said. "That's just, like, a whole different level."
But John said that it Jen was there to calm him down, even though he was supposed to be there as her "moral support."
"I basically stepped into the picture frame of Hollywood," he said. "For one night, I put on the most amazing suit and entered into the picture frame. You have to really be with someone that you know who has your back in that situation. And she did, and it was really great."
So, no jealous fits and no mention of Brangelina? He's obviously still not telling us everything.
Seems like a pretty random photo to post, right? I couldn't help it -- it totally made me laugh.
Doesn't it look like Jennifer Aniston was just trying to get her picture taken with Meryl Streep? Like Jen could have handed her camera to date John Mayer and said "I'm going to stand right behind her and, when I get close enough, you just snap the photo. And then we'll run."
Obviously that's not what happened -- this is a professional photo -- but, if I had the chance to get in a shot with Meryl, the acting goddess of all time, I would probably do just that.
Neither Brad Pitt nor Angelina Jolie won in their Oscar category last night -- but does it really matter? These two always go home with the prize anyway -- and either one of them can outshine that golden statuette any day.
Brangelina stopped to quickly chat with People mag on the red carpet, telling them that they were using this night out for some couple time.
"We've been planning on this for months," Braid said, saying that they left their brood home, "throwing spaghetti against the wall."
"I like to think of it more as a date," Angie added. "We're very comfortable tonight and just happy to be out and it's a nice night."
They certainly seemed to enjoy themselves -- laughing and smiling through the whole telecast -- even when Jennifer Aniston was presenting.
Hey!
I actually enjoyed the Oscars last night! I know, it's surprising, right? But I thought Hugh Jackman was great as the host (how talented is he, huh?), loved the way big, former winners were on hand to introduce the nominees in the most important categories, and, you know, my girl, Kate Winslet, finally got her statue!
Yes, Kate picked up her very first Oscar for Best Actress in The Reader and what an adorable and gracious winner she was. The best moment was when she called out to her dad in the audience and waved like she was a little girl on a carousel. I just wanted to hug her.
Then there was Best Actor winner Sean Penn, whose speech was all the things you would expect from him -- political, thought-provoking, and funny.
"I did not expect this, and I know how hard I make it to appreciate me, often," the actor said.
He also acknowledged his friend and fellow nominee, Mickey Rourke.
"Mickey Rourke rises again," said Sean, "and he is my brother."
But it was The Little Movie That Could, Slumdog Millionaire, that took top honors, winning Best Picture and Best Director.
I really have to see that!
Other notable winners: Heath Ledger's family accepted his Best Supporting Actor Oscar on his behalf, while Penelope Cruz picked up her first golden man for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
All in all, it was a good, entertaining show, with some cute speeches. Get your full list of winners here and make sure you check out our Best and Worst Moments slide show!
I have been assigned to bring you Oscars' hottest couples this Sunday, and WAHOOOOO, to quote Monica Geller, "IT JUST GOT INTERESTING!"
Word on the street is that Jennifer Aniston will be bringing boyfriend John Mayer as her date, while Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are sure to be on hand for the festivities, as they are both nominated.
John told Popsugar.com on Tuesday, "It's my first Oscars. And it's my first being an Oscar boyfriend."
I realize that this could very well be the most anti-climactic event ever, but just think if it's not. Like if the two couples show up on the red carpet at the same time. Or if Jen and Angie run into each other in the ladies' room.
I. Can't. Wait.
Matilda Ledger, the daughter of the late Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, could have an Oscar on her mantle whether or not she ever pursues a career in film.
If Heath continues his posthumous award-winning streak, and wins the Oscar for Best Support Actor on Sunday, his daughter will be entitled to the statue. But, due to the rules of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscar can't technically be hers until she turns 18. And she's only 3 right now.
"It's complicated, because there are two different questions that have to be answered," Bruce Davis, executive director of the academy, told The Associated Press. "First, we have to decide who gets the job of accepting the award onstage on the night of the ceremony. And then there's the question of the eventual disposition of the posthumous statuette, which may not stay with the person who accepts it."
Obviously Matilda won't be taking the stage and accepting on her dad's behalf, but, whether it will be Michelle, members of Heath's fam, or another actor that does, we're sure they'll have no problem handing this prize over to Heath most treasured possession -- his little girl.
I never thought this day would come -- and I'm not saying that I believe it will be like this forever -- but I'm kinda getting bored with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
I mean, really, how much more can we say about them? They're really good looking people with a ton of kids, there is the Jennifer Aniston aspect of it all, that is growing really tired, and they're decent actors who are up for Oscars this year.
Angelina told ABC's Nightline that, natch, she's "rooting for Brad" to take home the statue on Feb. 22, and that she's not really into watching flicks unless her man is in them.
"No, I just, I don't really like to watch movies," Angie said, adding, "I love to watch Brad's movies."
As for her own career, the mom of six says she's not going to focus on acting for very much longer, as her priorities have changed.
"I'd say kids first, kids, woman to Brad and then my work internationally and being a kind of ... trying to educate myself and trying to learn about the world and ... trying to do some good things while I'm alive," she told Nightline. "So what is that, fourth?" she asked of acting.
What's your take? Are you over Brangelina? Or do they still light your fire? Tell me.
If you were single, hot, and one of Hollywood's top actresses right now, who would you want on your arm at the Oscars? George Clooney?
Maybe, but Anne Hathaway (who, have I mentioned, I completely adore) is going to be walking the red carpet with her dad, as he is her date for her big night at the Academy Awards.
"I'm taking my dad," the Rachel Getting Married star, and best actress nominee, said at 81st annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon in Beverly Hills. "Hopefully, if I can squeeze a few more tickets, I'm going to see if I can take my brother and my mom."
"This is my first, maybe my only, time going," she added. "Hopefully not! My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I definitely wanted them by my side."
Isn't she just the cutest, sweetest thing? Glad to see that whole I-dated-a-big-Italian-fraud-thing didn't ruin her spirit.
What a bittersweet day yesterday was for the family of Heath Ledger. It was the one-year anniversary of the actor's accidental death, and also the same day he was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in The Dark Knight.
Heath's family gathered at one of his favorite spots, Cottesloe beach in Australia, and his sisters -- Kate Ledger, Ashleigh Bell and Olivia Ledger -- shared with the media their feelings on this tough day.
"To us it seems like nearly yesterday, and we are all still nursing broken hearts," Kate said. "Like anyone who loses a family member, it has opened our eyes to the intense suffering and painful journey that is death."
"Although we would love to have him here with us, we are so proud and so excited on his behalf. In Heath's words, he had 'the time of his life,' portraying 'The Joker,' and said that 'it was the most fun he'd ever had making a film,'" Ashleigh said. "On Heath's behalf we thank the Motion Picture Academy for recognizing his work."
"What an unbelievable legacy he has left for [Heath's daughter] Matilda and our family," she added. "We will take this opportunity to honor his wonderful life and take comfort in knowing Heath will continue to touch future generations through this amazing art form."
Heath's sisters also honored Matilda's mom, Michelle Williams, and made it known that she is as much a part of their family now as she was when Heath was alive.
"We fell truly blessed to have Heath's beautiful daughter, Matilda and her lovely Mom, Michelle in our lives," Kate said. "And although we are physically challenged at times by the tyranny of distance, we are always in constant contact and take every opportunity possible to catch up.
"Michelle is doing an amazing job with 'our girl' and together we will cherish every moment of her steps through life," Kate added.
They seem like such a great family, don't they?
Brad Pitt and his lovely companion Angelina Jolie are pretty happy about their oscar nominations -- I mean, who wouldn't be -- and both felt the need to give shout-outs to their directors while reacting to their nods.
"To receive a nomination from the Academy on top of that is a privilege beyond any expectation," Angie said Thursday. "It has been an exceptional year for acting, and I am honored to be in the company of these talented actors whose performances all deserve this recognition." She then added that working with Changeling's director Clint Eastwood "was a reward in itself that will last me a lifetime."
Brad's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button received 13 nominations, for which he credits the man behind the camera. "I'm especially happy for David Fincher," Brad said. "For without him there would be no Ben Button."
Here are some other nominee reactions, courtesy of People.com:
"I'm extremely happy to have been nominated. And very fortunate. Playing Hanna Schmitz will always remain one of the biggest challenges I've ever been blessed with. I'm genuinely thrilled not just for myself but for the wonderful Stephen Daldry and David Hare. These nominations are a testament to their unwavering commitment to this film. And I'm also very happy for all the people in Germany whose hard work on THE READER, has been rewarded by these nominations. Surely Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack are smiling down on us today!"
• Josh Brolin, Milk: Best Supporting Actor
"I found out when I was in bed. I woke up too early. I screwed up the whole timing thing because I'm in Utah so it's an hour later. I woke up at 5:55 and I was thinking, 'Okay, it didn't happen. That's okay.' I felt a little bummed but then I thought, 'I hope nobody else got snubbed,' and waited for the calls about Sean [Penn] and about the movie and was just waiting. And no calls were happening! And then finally about 20 minutes later it dawned on me the time difference and thought, 'Okay! We're still in the game!." [My wife, Diane Lane] called me. It's her birthday and she said, 'It's the best present I could have gotten.' She sung me a happy nomination birthday song."
It is such a thrill to be recognized in this category with these remarkably talented women. I was with my parents and my dog when I got the news and we were all overjoyed- although I'm not sure my dog knew what was going on. This is a great day to be an actress!"
• Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler: Best Supporting Actress
"I am so honored to be nominated for a film in which I am so proud and to be included with such a wonderful and talented group of women. It was an honor to work with Darren and the rest of the cast and crew of The Wrestler. Congratulations to Mickey [Rourke], for an extraordinary performance."
The 81st Academy Award nominations were announced this morning there were a lot of familiar faces in the midst of it all. Kate Winslet is having a really good award season, as she was just nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Reader. This is Kate's sixth nomination, but she has yet to take home the gold. She'll be up against my girl, Anne Hathaway, for her role in Rachel Getting Married, Angelina Jolie for Changeling, Meryl Steep (yikes!) in Doubt, and Melissa Leo for some move I never heard of. Brad Pitt got a best actor nod for his reverse-aging role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and will be battling it out with Sean Penn, Frank Langella, Mickey Roarke, and Richard Jenkins.
Supporting actor had some good names, as the dearly-departed Heath Ledger was recognized again for his role as The Joker in The Dark Night. Josh Brolin & Robert Downey Jr. are also up for that statue.
And Slumdog Millionaire is up for best picture! I haven't seen it, but I've heard great, great things about it.
First People's Sexiest Man Alive, now the host of the Oscars? It's good to be Hugh Jackman!
The Aussie actor has been named the host of this year's 81st Academy Awards, airing Feb. 22. Hugh should be right at home on stage, as he's already hosted the Tony Awards three times.
Hey, the musical numbers should be good. Maybe I won't fall asleep half-way thru this year.
Nah.
"Do I want it? You bet your f--king ass I do! I think that people assume that I don't care or don't want it or don't need it or something. It's hard to be there five times, and I'm only human, you know? But I don't go home and cry, because we're all grown-ups here."
-- Five-time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet, to December's Vanity Fair, on if she, you know, ever really wants to win the award.
After parading her big baby belly all around Cannes, Angelina Jolie is coming out of the film festival surrounded by buzz. Oscar buzz, that is.
Brad Pitt's babymama had two films at Cannes this year; Kung Fu Panda, an animated children's flick co-starring Jack Black, and the Clint Eastwood-directed Changeling, which is where Angie really shined, according to reviews.
Variety called Angie's performance "top notch," while The Los Angeles Times said, "Based on this powerful and searing performance, it would be a good bet she will again be in the hunt for the Best Actress nomination that eluded her for A Mighty Heart last year."
Fingers crossed Angie will get the nom and the win -- then we can hear gush about Brad at the podium.
Cindy Adams is in trouble!
The NY Post columnist printed yesterday that a pregnant Nicole Kidman was dipping in to the hooch backstage at Sunday's Oscars.
"Boozing backstage during the Oscarcast is a no-no," she wrote. "But if you're pregnant Nicole Kidman it's a yes- yes. She wanted white wine. She got it."
Now, Nicole's rep is fuming mad and insists that the claim is completely false. Catherine Olim of PMK, sent Perez Hilton the following statement --and it's a doozy:
"I try to ignore your column, unlike most of the rest of the world, because it is so nasty. But I have to tell you that Nicole Kidman most certainly did NOT drink white wine or any other alcoholic beverage backstage. She had water and lemon zinger tea. That’s it. I know, I was there with her I cannot remember that last time that Cindy Adams got anything right. She’s an idiot, and you can quote me."
Okay, then. I love a good, public catfight.
I tend to believe that Nic wasn't drinking -- she's been waiting so long to get pregnant, I'd expect her to be super-cautious. And Cindy Adams? Not exactly the sharpest tack in the box anymore.
Here's an interesting pair making their debut at an Oscar party.
Sean Penn, who just recently split from wife Robin Wright-Penn, stayed close to model Petra Nemcova at Elton John's AIDS Foundation screening party. The stunner told People.com that she and Sean had met through do-gooding.
"Yes, we are friends," Petra said. "He is on the advisory board of my charity."
Though the couple didn't come right out and suck face in public, sources say that this was the second night in a row that they've spent together -- they were seen at the L.A. club Villa on Saturday.
Petra's boyfriend at last year's Oscars was singer James Blunt, but those that flame burnt out pretty quickly after. Let's see how long these two sizzle...
Can we please talk about how lucky Sarah Larson is? Sarah, as you probably know, has been George Clooney's girlfriend since the summer. She's young and beautiful, was a former Las Vegas cocktail waitress, and now is on George's arm at the Oscars. Talks about a windfall!
At first I thought that Sarah was just going to be a flash in the pan -- George would have his fun with her and she'd be on her way back to serving martinis. But, no. The actor seems absolutely blissful with his gal -- and he never takes a serious date to the Oscars! As for Sarah, she doesn't look like she's having too bad of a time, either.
Could she really be the one? Do you think George has found a woman for keeps?
Though Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were not in attendance at last night's Oscars, the couple and their not-so-secret pregnancy were still a topic of conversation.
Host Jon Stewart referenced Angie while presenting a made up award in honor of Hollywood's recent baby boom. When Jon announced Brad's babymomma as the winner, he joked, "Obviously Angelina Jolie couldn't be here — it's hard to find 17 babysitters on Oscar night! I accept this baby on her behalf."
Cute!
What did you think of Jon's performance as host? I thought he was funny and cute and I sort of want him to be my own personal funny man.
Jennifer Garner looked completely traumatized when loony actor Gary Busey took the opportunity to plant a big, fat kiss on the actress' neck, while Ryan Seacrest was attempting to interview her on the Oscar red carpet. Gary interrupted the chat, and after being introduced to Jen, hugged her twice, then smooched her! Talk about uncomfortable.
I wouldn't be surprised if Jennifer was dousing herself in anti-bacterial soap after that creepy encounter. Watch it here!
It was a good night for Old Men, as the Cohen Brother's No Country for Old Men took the top spot at this year's Oscars, winning Best Motion Picture. Joel and Ethan Cohen also took home the gold for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director, while the film's star, Javier Bardem, won for Best Supporting Actor.
On a side note, Javier is now my newest obsession. He can talk to me in Spanish anytime he wants. So hot!
Daniel Day Lewis got the top acting honors, winning in the Best Actor category for his role in There Will Be Blood. As for the ladies, Tilda Swinton won Best Supporting Actress for playing opposite George Clooney in Michael Clayton, while Marion Cotillard was named Best Actress for La Vie en Rose.
For a full list of nominees, winners and losers, check out our Oscar wrap up.
Who will be joining host Jon Stewart on the stage for the telecast of the 80th Academy Awards?
A whole slew of giant celebs!
Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Denzel Washington, George Clooney, and a baby bump carrying Nicole Kidman will all be presenting the statuettes. Other celebs, like pregnant Jessica Alba, Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey, Steve Carell, Katherine Heigl, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, and Miley Cyrus are scheduled to be on tap for introducing segments and handing out awards, as well.
The show is scheduled to air on Sunday, Feb. 24 -- and we'll have all of the inside scoop for you. Until then, check out Oscar Headquarters for all the nominees, Oscar quizzes and games and much more!
Even though the Oscars are still scheduled to take place later this month, Vanity Fair has cancelled its famous after-party, due to the ongoing writer's strike.
"After much consideration, and in support of the writers and everyone else affected by this strike, we have decided that this is not the appropriate year to hold our annual Oscar party," the magazine said in a statement. "We want to congratulate all of this year's nominees and we look forward to hosting our 15th Oscar party next year."
It's still unclear if the writer's will be working the Academy Awards, and/or who will cross the picket line to show up, but I'm holding out that the strike will be over by then. You gotta have hope, right? I need new TV!!
Check out Oscar Headquarters for all the news you need on the festivities.
Let's stay positive that there will be an Oscars telecast to showcase these fabulous nominees. George! Johnny! Cate! Ellen Page!! Here's a list of the categories we care about, and make sure you check back with us for all of your Oscars scoop. In the meantime, play our Academy Award-Winning Moments Quiz. Congrats to the nominees!
Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:
George Clooney, Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tommy Lee Jones, In the Valley of Elah
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern PromisesPerformance by an Actress in a Leading Role:
Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie, Away From Her
Marion Cotillard, La Vie En Rose
Laura Linney, The Savages
Ellen Page, JunoPerformance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:
Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War
Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson, Michael ClaytonPerformance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:
Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There
Ruby Dee, American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan, Atonement
Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton, Michael ClaytonBest Motion Picture of the Year
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood
I guess Billy Crystal's busy.
According to People.com, funnyman Jon Stewart has been tapped to host the 2008 Academy Awards. This will be his second time as the Oscars emcee -- in 2006, he hosted the show... with mixed reviews.
"I'm thrilled to be asked to host the Academy Awards for the second time because, as they say, the third time's a charm," the Daily Show host said in a statement.
When Jon served as host in 2006, 38.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the show. While that's nothing to sniff at, Oscar darling Billy Crystal pulled in nearly 55 million viewers in 1998, one of the eight times he hosted the show. Rumor has it, show producers always go to Billy first to see if he's interested. The last time he hosted was in 2004.
The show airs February 24, which is forever away. Clearly I love award show season. I'll get a quick fix on Sunday, which is Emmy night. We'll be having a big ole party here at the Blabber, so be sure to stop by. Tracy and I will be together and we'll be live blogging the show. It's gonna be better than Christmas!
Eddie grabbed his date, Tracey Edmonds, and stormed out of the theater. He didn't even bother staying to see if co-star Jennifer Hudson took home the gold, or watch the girls perform.
That Eddie. What a team player, huh?
I'm just sitting here thinking some more about the Oscar telecast and I can't help but think Beyonce was trying to outsing Jennifer Hudson in their performance of the nominated songs from Dreamgirls.
J-Hud had just come off her win for Best Supporting Actress (which B was not even nominated for), and though we've been hearing tons of talk about how there's no animosity between the divas, and they are all supportive of each other and crap of that nature, it seemed to me that there definitely was some sort of singing battle taking place on that stage.
Loved the performance -- those girls can belt out a tune like nobody's business-- but I almost thought they were going to break into a rendition of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better".
"This is the only naked man that will ever be in my bedroom."– Melissa Etheridge, on her Oscar for Best Song, "I Need to Wake Up" from An Inconvenient Truth
I wish I could give Ellen an Oscar for her awesome job as host, but I guess she technically would get an Emmy, because they were on televison...
Anyway, I've had very little sleep but here's a list of all of last night's winners:
Best Picture: The Departed
Best Director: Martin Scorsese, The Departed
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker, Last King of Scotland
Best Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Best Film Editing: Thelma Schoonmaker, The Departed
Best Song: "I Need to Wake Up," An Inconvenient Truth
Best Original Screenplay: Little Miss Sunshine
Best Original Score: Babel
Best Documentary: An Inconvenient Truth
Best Documentary Short: The Blood of Yingzhou District
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
Best Foreign-Language Film: The Lives of Others
Best Visuals Effects: Pirates of the Caribbean 2
Best Cinematography: Pan's Labyrinth"
Best Costume Design: Marie Antoinette
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Departed
Best Animated Feature: Happy Feet
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, Little Miss Sunshine
Best Sound Mixing: Dreamgirls
Best Sound Editing: Letters from Iwo Jima
Best Live Action Short: West Bank Story
Best Animated Short: The Danish Poet
Best Makeup: Pan's Labyrinth
Best Art Direction: Pan's Labyrinth
It's 6:29 a.m., and having officially pulled an all-night, I feel like I'm back in college. While I go celebrate an amazing Oscar night with a pot of coffee and a pint of Ben & Jerry's (sssh, it's a very nutritious breakfast), check out what kept me up all night.
From Jennifer Hudson's big win to Kirsten Dunst's HORRENDOUS dress/makeup/hair/personality/everything, don't miss photos of the highlights and lowlights of the Oscars.
Go to the Best and Worst of the 2007 Academy Awards slide show now!
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