Ask Matt: Smash, Revenge, Awake, Southland, Betty Mania and More

Katharine McPhee Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!Question: I watched the first episode of Smash this week and I enjoyed it. I like the cast, the music and the dancing, and the overall "Broadway" feel of the show. I just can't find myself going along with what is apparently the central idea of the show, which is that Katharine McPhee would make a better Marilyn than Megan Hilty. Really? Don't get me wrong, I love Katharine McPhee's voice, but nothing else about her is right for the Marilyn role! Whereas Hilty is, as she is apparently told in a future episode, "born" to play Marilyn in every way. Maybe part of my problem is that NBC (as usual) went overboard in promoting the show, with most of the ads prominently featuring McPhee, with the rest of the stellar cast in the background. Matt, you've seen more than the just the first episode, what do you think? - CatherineMatt Roush: Stay tuned, because the Marilyn issue is resolved, at least initially, fairly quickly - although the development of the musical, and both ingénues' place within the show within the show, continues to evolve. (If you've been keeping up with coverage, you probably know that Uma Thurman has an arc later in the season as a star being wooed to step into the show; we haven't screened that far ahead, though.) I heard a fair amount of grumbling during the very long promotional build-up to the premiere that Megan Hilty was being slighted in favor of McPhee-ver, but that's understandable given the stakes involved here, that you'd lead with the stars people already know - Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston got plenty of attention as well - in hopes of making new stars out of players like Broadway baby Hilty and the sensational Jack Davenport (the director), who's still waiting for his big U.S. breakthrough.Want more TV news and reviews? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!Question: I've been reading you for years, far long enough to know that you might want to hit me for lamenting the future end of a series that hasn't even completed its first season. BUT. I am a person who likes my television series tied up with a big red ribbon when they take their final bow. Every question doesn't have to be answered (I loved the Lost finale), but I don't want the lead character - no matter how tragic a figure - to die or be killed (see: Prison Break). So this is my question to you: Do you see any way that Revenge could wrap up as a series (hopefully several years in the future) without a tragic, possibly fatal ending for Emily Thorne? I've been fairly captivated by the show, and I sort of root for Emily to avenge her father's wrongful conviction and death. However, if she achieves all of her goals and destroys everyone who had anything to do with it, 1) I don't know how she'll be able to live with herself, and 2) I don't know how Jack would be able to live with her, either. This conundrum seems to put the possibility of my very important big red ribbon in serious question. Do you care to weigh in on whether Emily might be able to somehow redeem herself eventually, or whether she's destined for doom? And does it matter to you in the long run, or are you, as you often put it, simply enjoying being along for the ride? - KatherineMatt Roush: This would be a more legitimate concern if (as another question I received this week wondered) Revenge were a one-season show - or, as they used to call such things, miniseries - and this story arc of Emily-vs-the Graysons was the ultimate end game. But it became clear pretty early on that there wouldn't be much of a show if it was only about Emily knocking off her enemies one by one. I'm curious to see where Revenge goes once we catch up to the shooting on the beach this week (taking us back to the pilot episode), because the real challenge will be to break new stories and introduce new complications and characters to broaden the theme of revenge into a full-blown prime-time soap. Your questions deal with important story points that need to be played out -especially what will happen if/when Jack discovers her true identity - but through it all, there's always the subtext of the toll this vendetta is taking on Emily/Amanda's soul. The fun for now is watching her be both hero and monster, but ultimately, if she can achieve justice for her father that will put her more in the redemption column. Just don't expect a happy ending anytime soon, because what fun would that be?Question: As a frequent reader of and writer to your column, I wanted to thank you for your always insightful responses to my questions and other peoples' questions. You're the voice of reason in a sea of fan irrationality, and I each week learn something new and interesting when reading your column. So again, thank you for what you do, and please keep doing it and making my Mondays a little bit brighter with Ask Matt! I'm thrilled to finally see Awake on NBC's schedule, but I also can't help but be immediately worried. It's airing on NBC, it's a high-concept show, and possibly most troubling, it's airing on Thursdays at 10/9c, where Prime Suspect and The Firm have already failed this season. I know that networks are never purposely "setting up a show to fail," and I'm sure NBC is really hoping it will do well, but it seems to have quite a few things working against it. I know that the critics gave it generally favorable reviews, so I was wondering what you thought about it, and its potential chances of success. - AlexMatt Roush: Thanks for those nice words. As I've often said, doing this column is always a highlight of any given week. I learn quite a bit myself about what truly matters to the dedicated TV enthusiast. Your question is a good one, because of all the risky shows this midseason (including Smash and The River), Awake could be the hardest sell. It's certainly facing an uphill climb in that Thursday time period - and just think how NBC used to own it with shows from Hill Street Blues through ER. I've seen the most recent cut of the Awake pilot - my review will be in this week's issue, and will be posted online closer to the March 1 premiere - and I think it's a knockout. But first, you have to accept a premise that on paper seems like a downer: a man caught between two realities after a car accident, one in which his wife died and the other in which he lost his son. And yet somehow Awake finds uplift in this poignant existential dilemma, though as one of his shrinks wonders, how this situation can be sustained over the long haul is anyone's guess. Which is why it's so smart for the show to include an intriguing procedural element - thus, making it possibly more commercial than you'd think - because the hero (Jason Isaacs, who's incredibly compelling) is a detective, and the cases in each reality begin to bleed into each other (how very Fringe!) and help him solve the cases. It's a truly original series, which always gives me cause to worry, but it is exactly the sort of show NBC should be trying, even if it doesn't work. I doubt anyone is predicting an easy ride for Awake, but my hope is that the viewer isn't asleep at the wheel for this one.Question: I am in awe of Southland this season! As you know, it's so rare to be genuinely surprised by a TV show, let alone so consistently as Southland does. I'm just worried that even though creatively it is the best it has ever been, it might not be going well enough to be picked up for a fifth season. Any thoughts? - LizMatt Roush: Southland is a good example of a show that only got better when it moved from a network (NBC, which in an earlier regime was afraid of its grit) to cable (TNT). It's an even better example of a show that has only sharpened its game in the wake of economic cutbacks. The cast has been trimmed severely, but the focus is tighter and I like nearly everything they've done this season: pairing Ben Sherman and Sammy Bryant, bringing on a very impressive Lucy Liu as the new partner of John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz, still the aching backbone of this series). It's never going to be a breakout hit, so I fear it will live perpetually "on the bubble." But with only 10 episodes per season, I'm hoping this is one of those cases where corporate synergy (within the Warner Bros. empire) rules and allows the show to just keep doing its thing for as long as they can. This certainly doesn't feel like a show that's creatively out of gas.Question: I was just curious what you thought of House of Lies and Californication. I've watched House but don't understand what's supposed to be entertaining about it. Are we supposed to be shocked that this is how business is conducted? I like the actors, but just find the show irrelevant and NOT funny. It certainly crosses the "line" and is raunchy. I think I'll just turn it off. Are you enjoying it? Californication is really uneven this season. One week it's just gross, the next less gross but endearing, the next gross, the next sweet. Why? Am I missing something? What are we supposed to be learning about Hank this year? That he loves his girls? We know that already. That he wants to be a part of the family again? We know that. But Charlie continues to drag Hank down (hate the character), so we're just treading water. Am I missing something? - EllenMatt Roush: I do enjoy House of Lies as a very broad and outrageous satire of the debauched state of American business and am especially loving Don Cheadle's electrifying performance, but it's clearly not for all tastes (or maybe for anyone with taste). But I came to your conclusion about Californication and bailed more than a season ago, feeling it was spinning its wheels, and its overall unpleasantness (especially anything involving Charlie) outweighed any possible entertainment value. Still, I'm sure there are those who enjoy it as much as I do House of Lies, and that's fine. Especially when it comes to pay cable, nobody's forcing anyone to watch.Question: What information can you share about why CBS continues to shuffle Rules of Engagement on and off the air. It is now being usurped by the new series Rob. I liked it as a companion show to The Big Bang Theory and am sorry that it isn't continuing there. - CarynMatt Roush: To explain the peculiar predicament of Rules of Engagement, which is one of the most abused "utility players" in recent TV memory, I can't improve on this story by our Michael Schneider. I'm not the biggest fan of Rules, though I do get a kick out of the core relationship of Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price, but I certainly prefer it to Rob, which somehow manages to hold on to enough of Big Bang's gigantic audience that Rules is destined to once again remain in limbo until CBS decides it will come in handy again. It boils down to CBS being so top-heavy with hits on a schedule that doesn't have enough shelf space for all of its comedies. If the network decides (as some have speculated) to expand the Thursday comedy block to two hours next season, that could very well open the door for Rules to return on a full-time basis. But for now, don't hold your breath.Question: I really love Pan Am. It's my favorite new show this year, and I am wondering if it is going to get a second season? I would hate to think that it would not get the opportunity to grow its audience and really dig into these great characters. - Matthew R.Matt Roush: With the finale airing this Sunday after only 14 episodes, you'd have to conclude Pan Am's chances of returning are about as remote as the rebirth of Pan Am itself. I loved the pilot episode but felt the stories afterward never really lived up to its breezy escapist potential, and while it's still a pleasurable show to watch (as in look at: it's gorgeous, and so's the cast), overall there's no way to see it as anything but a disappointment. Still, ABC won't officially make the call until May upfronts.Question: I love Betty White. For as long as I can remember, she has been a staple in my entertainment even as a child. Though I have to say I am growing tired of award shows, etc. honoring her with awards I frankly don't feel are justified. I mean I can't believe they gave her the SAG award recently over Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie or the other contenders. It is to the point where it seems the voters are giving her awards just for being Betty White. I am just thinking it's taking away from others who deserve a win. For example, I adore Alec Baldwin, but don't necessarily think he deserves EVERY TV award he has received in the past few years. We get it, you're great, now let someone else have a chance at it. I think in cases like Betty White they should just name an award after her and be done with it. There are plenty of actors and actresses overlooked at the SAGs such as Claire Danes for Homeland in the drama category. It is too bad these award shows don't have limits on how many times actors can win. It's almost like Betty White is Dowager Countess Violet Crawley in the annual flower show on Downton Abbey who wins out of voters' guilt even though the voters agree the other actresses are the Mr. Molesley whose flowers are more deserving. I am glad we have actresses like Betty White who are still working in such an unforgiving industry, and I am sure I will be hated on for saying something against Betty White, but I am getting over it. Am I the only one? - MayaMatt Roush: Don't blame Betty White for the lameness of this year's SAG Awards (in the TV categories, anyway). But I did enjoy your Downton analogy and agree that her win in that category was something of a tired joke. But awards come and go, and Betty White is forever. She is beyond question a beloved living legend, and the celebration of her 90th birthday this year just reinforced that. Even so, when she appeared in a bathrobe at the end of that sensational action-parody Super Bowl promo for The Voice, I'm sure there were as many groans as cheers for going back to that same punch line again. I'm tempted to say she should learn when to say no, but then again, why should she?Question: Just curious: What do you think is the likelihood of an eventual Chuck reunion film sometime in the mid-to-distant future? - RondaMatt Roush: Distant, I'd think. They wrapped things up pretty nicely in the series finale, and I think everyone should be satisfied with that, be glad they got to make the show for as long as they did (against the odds) and move on.Question: I am completely hooked on Downton Abbey but was wondering why the seasons are so short. Seems like it just began and they are already talking about the season ender. I think they only run 7 or 8 episodes. Is that a PBS norm? I have to say I am really enjoying The Finder on Fox. Funny with great cast chemistry but would expect nothing less from the creators of Bones. I am also really looking forward to Touch. The sneak peek episode was fast-paced and really kept my interest, and I loved how all the dots connected at the end. I read that Glee is going on a little two-month vacation, and that usually spells trouble for a show. I have been impressed with its improvement over the last few weeks. Sue is still mean, although rarely seen, but not over-the-top insane, and they are back to centering on the music and have had some fantastic performances. Do you see it too or do you think they are doomed? - SharonMatt Roush: Taking this subject by subject: The run of Downton (which concludes this Sunday with the two-hour "Christmas" finale), at roughly 10 hours over eight weeks, is actually fairly long by British-TV standards. Think of each year's installment as a miniseries - the Emmys do - and be glad not only that it leaves you wanting more, but that in a year we'll get more. I found The Finder to be a perfectly pleasant show, but it lacks the oomph to be a self-starter like Bones, and I'd be surprised if it has any more luck scoring a renewal than The Chicago Code did a year ago. That will especially be the case if Touch does as well on its return as it did in its sneak peek. Glee's break isn't that unusual - instead of airing repeats in March, it's sitting out to make way for some midseason comedy tryouts and will be back to finish the season in April. This is not a sign the show is in any trouble. I agree it has improved lately, especially when it focuses on the students about to graduate - although it's still wildly uneven, and last week's Ricky Martin episode was so random it might have been dropped in from last season. But doomed? Hardly.Question: I guess in life almost everything is reductive; but currently it is seen so evidently in television. Once Upon a Time begets a fairy tale-esque pilot from the CW, CBS, NBC. Essentially, success breeds the wish of more success. What always seems to fail TV executives is that genre shows only work because they are new, different, or just damned compelling. Mad Men is epic because it was groundbreaking and compelling; Pan Am didn't become one because a) it was compared to Mad Men, and b) it wasn't new or interesting enough. In truth, a show like The Good Wife would almost always work because of its cast dynamic. They could be doctors, cops, or Muppets and still with good writing I'd argue it would be a hit. Yet millions will be spent for a new fairy-tale genre to compete with Once, instead of finding the next type of show. So Matt, what is the next new hit genre? The future? The 1920s, akin to Boardwalk Empire? Ancient times akin to Spartacus? I get how broadcast-to-cable shows are now hampered by pay cable shows in their ability to have no boundaries, but they also have longer show runs, at least broadcast networks do. It's like HBO/Showtime/Starz followed the British format, if not their budget. Still, what, in your opinion, is the next genre that hits big?And is it just me, or is A-Mahz-ing (Where is Merriam-Websters on this?) Penny's hookup with V-Neck Dave inevitable on Happy Endings? - TrentonMatt Roush: Thankfully, it isn't my job to predict the next big trend or genre. Although it looks like everyone is trying to find a new twist on the classic Western for next season, so we'll see how many of those projects come to light and if any of them stick. As you rightly note, every bandwagon comes with the inherent danger of falling off the rails because of lack of originality. As always, it comes down to vision and execution. So just as The Good Wife is so much more than just-another-legal-drama, I wouldn't even dismiss the next '60s period piece or fairy-tale-derived project or vintage-TV remake out of hand, because you just never know. As for Penny and Dave possibly hooking up on Happy Endings, they've certainly teased the possibility enough to be a Watercooler topic a while back. Stranger things have happened.That's all for now. Keep sending your comments and questions to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com, and in the meantime, follow me on Twitter!Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races

Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races By Jenelle Riley Feb 9, 2012 Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Each year brings exactly the same two complaints equalized from the Oscars broadcast: The show is simply too lengthy and too foreseeable. The forces that be don't appear worried about the very first problem, but when last week's SAG Honours were any suggestion, the 2011 ceremony may still provide a couple of surprises. Commentators assumed George Clooney would be a lock for lead actor together with his operate in "The Descendants," until French actor Jean Dujardin snagged the statue for his operate in "The Artist." All of a sudden, the race looked a much more competitive. So here's another perspective on which to expect once the the envelopes are opened up on February. 26.First of all may be the sure factor: Christopher Plummer will win best supporting actor for his sublime portrayal in "Beginners" of the seniors guy who arrives as gay to his boy, simply to be identified with cancer shortly after that. His levels of competition are fierce. Kenneth Branagh designed a wonderful Laurence Olivier in "My Week With Marilyn" it is a perfect performance that stars love. Jonah Hill would be a thought in "Moneyball," a quick, fun turn that I am thrilled has been recognized. Some negative people out there have complained Hill is not deserving, which just reeks of the anti-comedy sentiment in my experience. Everybody concurs Kaira Pitt was brilliant within the film, so does not a few of the credit lie together with his scene partner? Is not what Hill does the phrase a "supporting actor"? It appears individuals are more aggravated by the concept that a comedy star like Hill has become an Oscar nominee. There have been some funny tweets like "When '21 Jump Street' advertisements play, they are able to now say 'Oscar nominee Jonah Hill.' "But come onno actor includes a perfect record. Need I help remind anybody of the truly amazing "Norbit" debacle of 2007 by which Eddie Murphy was the best supporting actor front-runner for "Dreamgirls" in the same time advertisements of him outfitted like a dangerously obese lady counseled me over town? (And personally, I believe "21 Jump Street" looks awesome.) The course is rounded out by two veterans, Nick Nolte in "Warrior" and Max von Sydow in "Very Noisy & Incredibly Close." Initially when i first saw "Warrior," I figured Nolte will be the someone to beat. But that film's poor box office and also the easy Plummer make that unlikely.Next may be the almost-sure factor: Octavia Spencer is probably winning actress inside a supporting role on her wonderful act as open maid Minny in "The Assistance.Inch But this can be a category that frequently pulls surpriseseveryone still takes note of the Marisa Tomei Incident of 1993, once the actor required home the statue for "My Cousin Vinny." So I would not discount Melissa McCarthy, who's beloved by many people. Or Brnice Bejo could absorb it a sweep for "The Artist." Jesse McTeer was great in "Albert Nobbs," however the film wasn't seen by enough people. For Spencer's co-star, the brilliant Jessica Chastain, I've little question she'll win an Oscar within the next couple of years. So with Golden Globe and SAG honours, Spencer may be the likely choice.For the best actress, it is a race between Viola Davis in "The AssistanceInch and Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady." Rooney Mara ("The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo") and Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs") score victories simply with their nominations. And Michelle Williams, who so superbly embodied Lana Turner in "My Week With Marilyn," poses a threat. Stars love the film and love her, and that i wouldn't discount an unexpected win here. But so far, it has been Davis and Streep running neck in neck. The SAG win puts Davis outrageous, so anticipate seeing her in the podium on Oscar evening. It appears everybody wants her to wineven, to some degree, Streep. When Streep won the SAG Award in '09 for "Doubt," she gave because of her co-star, saying: "The gigantically gifted Viola Davismy God, somebody offer her a film!Inch Someone has, and Davis will probably best Streep in the Academy awards. Which raises the truly amazing unknown: best actor, a category featuring five excellent stars giving five terrific performances. I never fully thought that Clooney was the leading-runner just as much when i love "The Descendants," I have heard an excessive amount of grumbling from individuals who were left cold through the film. I had been thrilled Demin Bichir obtained a jerk for his act as an immigrant in "A Much Better Existence," but in lots of ways the nomination itself has become a victory. And absolutely nothing helped me more happy than Gary Oldman receiving his first Oscar nomination for his controlled, beautiful submit "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy." For any very long time, I have thought Pitt would accomplish a win for his stunning operate in "Moneyball." He's certainly one of individuals stars who causes it to be look easy but is really proficient at what he is doing. And he's never won, despite two previous acting nominations. He's also doing the publicity models for that film, the industry nice push during these final days. However, Dujardin won the SAG Award for "The Artist," a performance that provides something not the same as the relaxation. So I am beginning to consider it's anyone's game. We may obtain a better idea on February. 12, once the BAFTA Award those who win are revealed the Academy shares many voters with BAFTA. If they would like to recognize their fellow countryman Oldman, victory would put him within this race as a genuine contender. If Dujardin can win the BAFTA, it's likely overhe'll win the Oscar. However I still wouldn't discount Clooney or Pitt. No matter what, Dujardin's SAG win has reinvigorated the race and introduced some drama which was sorely missing this past year. But you will find still things we are able to rely on only at that year's Oscar telecast: tears, laughter, and complaints concerning the run time. Academy Award Forecasts With This Year's Acting Races By Jenelle Riley Feb 9, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Each year brings exactly the same two complaints equalized from the Oscars broadcast: The show is simply too lengthy and too foreseeable. The forces that be don't appear worried about the very first problem, but when last week's SAG Honours were any suggestion, the 2011 ceremony may still provide a couple of surprises. Commentators assumed George Clooney would be a lock for lead actor together with his operate in "The Descendants," until French actor Jean Dujardin snagged the statue for his operate in "The Artist." All of a sudden, the race looked much more competitive. So here's another perspective on what to anticipate once the the envelopes are opened up on February. 26.First of all may be the sure factor: Christopher Plummer will win best supporting actor for his sublime portrayal in "Beginners" of the seniors guy who arrives as gay to his boy, simply to be identified with cancer shortly after that. His levels of competition are fierce. Kenneth Branagh designed a wonderful Laurence Olivier in "My Week With Marilyn" it is a perfect performance that stars love. Jonah Hill would be a thought in "Moneyball," a quick, fun turn that I am thrilled continues to be recognized. Some negative people out there have complained Hill is not deserving, which just reeks of the anti-comedy sentiment in my experience. Everybody concurs Kaira Pitt was brilliant within the film, so does not a few of the credit lie together with his scene partner? Is not what Hill does the phrase a "supporting actor"? It appears individuals are more aggravated by the concept that a comedy star like Hill has become an Oscar nominee. There have been some funny tweets like "When '21 Jump Street' advertisements play, they are able to now say 'Oscar nominee Jonah Hill.' "But come onno actor includes a perfect record. Need I help remind anybody from the great "Norbit" debacle of 2007 by which Eddie Murphy was the very best supporting actor front-runner for "Dreamgirls" simultaneously advertisements of him outfitted like a dangerously obese lady counseled me over town? (And personally, I believe "21 Jump Street" looks awesome.) The course is rounded out by two veterans, Nick Nolte in "Warrior" and Max von Sydow in "Very Noisy & Incredibly Close." Initially when i first saw "Warrior," I figured Nolte will be the someone to beat. But that film's poor box office and also the easy Plummer make that unlikely.Next may be the almost-sure factor: Octavia Spencer is probably winning actress inside a supporting role on her wonderful act as open maid Minny in "The Assistance.Inch But this can be a category that frequently pulls surpriseseveryone still takes note of the Marisa Tomei Incident of 1993, once the actor required home the statue for "My Cousin Vinny." And So I wouldn't discount Melissa McCarthy, who's beloved by many people. Or Brnice Bejo could absorb it a sweep for "The Artist." Jesse McTeer was great in "Albert Nobbs," however the film wasn't seen by enough people. For Spencer's co-star, the brilliant Jessica Chastain, I've little question she'll win an Oscar within the next couple of years. So with Golden Globe and SAG honours, Spencer may be the likely choice.For the best actress, it is a race between Viola Davis in "The AssistanceInch and Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady." Rooney Mara ("The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo") and Glenn Close ("Albert Nobbs") score victories simply with their nominations. And Michelle Williams, who so superbly embodied Lana Turner in "My Week With Marilyn," poses a threat. Stars love the film and love her, and that i wouldn't discount an unexpected win here. But so far, it has been Davis and Streep running neck in neck. The SAG win puts Davis outrageous, so anticipate seeing her in the podium on Oscar evening. It appears everybody wants her to wineven, to some degree, Streep. When Streep won the SAG Award in '09 for "Doubt," she gave because of her co-star, saying: "The gigantically gifted Viola Davismy God, somebody offer her a film!Inch Someone has, and Davis will probably best Streep in the Academy awards. Which raises the truly amazing unknown: , a category featuring five excellent stars giving five terrific performances. I never fully thought that Clooney was the leading-runner around I really like "The Descendants," I have heard an excessive amount of grumbling from individuals who were left cold through the film. I had been thrilled Demin Bichir obtained a jerk for his act as an immigrant in "A Much Better Existence," but in lots of ways the nomination itself has become a victory. And absolutely nothing helped me more happy than Gary Oldman receiving his first Oscar nomination for his controlled, beautiful submit "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy." For any very long time, I have thought Pitt would accomplish victory for his stunning operate in "Moneyball." He's certainly one of individuals stars who causes it to be look easy but is really proficient at what he is doing. And he's never won, despite two previous acting nominations. He's also doing the publicity models for that film, the industry nice push during these final days. However, Dujardin won the SAG Award for "The Artist," a performance that provides something not the same as the relaxation. So I am beginning to consider it's anyone's game. We may obtain a better idea on February. 12, once the BAFTA Award those who win are revealed the Academy shares many voters with BAFTA. If they would like to recognize their fellow countryman Oldman, victory would put him within this race like a real contender. If Dujardin can win the BAFTA, it's likely overhe'll win the Oscar. However I still wouldn't discount Clooney or Pitt. No matter what, Dujardin's SAG win has reinvigorated the race and introduced some drama which was sorely missing this past year. But you will find still things we are able to rely on only at that year's Oscar telecast: tears, laughter, and complaints concerning the run time.

'War Horse' Star One of Hollywood's Equine Elite

ACTON, Calif. (AP) One star of Steven Spielberg's latest epic likes to end his work day by rolling around in the dirt, kicking his legs in the air and flaring his nostrils.Finder, a 12-year-old thoroughbred, is among more than 150 equine performers featured in the Oscar-nominated "War Horse," and one of 14 who play the scene-stealing Joey. He lives on a ranch about 45 miles northeast of Hollywood with veteran horse trainer Bobby Lovgren, who oversaw all the equine action on "War Horse.""Plowing, riding, chasing you name it, it's in there," said Lovgren, who calls "War Horse" ''the biggest horse movie ever made." Lovgren is the protg of legendary Hollywood horseman Glenn Randall, who trained Roy Rogers' Trigger.Thanks to the enduring appeal of horses on screen, Lovgren, Finder and "War Horse" continue a longtime tradition of Hollywood horses that began with the earliest motion pictures."Bobby and his team literally performed miracles with the horses on this film," Spielberg said. "I wanted it to feel like the horses were performing their parts as much as (actors) Emily Watson or Peter Mullan, and that is what happened. There were times during production when the horses reacted in ways I had never imagined a horse could react. You just sit back and thank your lucky stars that these horses are so cognizant that they are able to give everything to a moment."Those moments took months of training and a 22-member team of trainers, handlers and yes, equine makeup artists.Set in England during World War I, "War Horse" centers on the enduring relationship between Joey and the farm boy who trained him. When Joey is sold to soldiers heading into battle, the horse begins a journey that brings him through various fighting factions and into the lives of soldiers and civilians who are moved by his strength and spirit.The film has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including cinematography and best picture.As the film's "horse master," Lovgren oversaw everything horse-related. His team prepared the equine actors for their various duties. Some became expert jumpers, others learned to stumble or feign a struggle. There were horses for riding and horses for pulling, and even stand-ins for the star horses while shots were being set. Lovgren's team was also responsible for teaching the actors how to ride and handle the animals."We all became incredibly attached to the horses," said cast member Patrick Kennedy. "Getting to know these horses and learning to ride them was the greatest privilege I've ever had."None of the horses are credited by name in the film, and the filmmakers wouldn't say why. Lovgren said it's not uncommon: "Sometimes they'll put a few of the horses' names, but you know, realistically, it's very difficult to say that there was one hero Joey."The trainer, whose many credits include last summer's "Cowboys & Aliens," typically spends about three months preparing his equine actors for a film shoot. He specializes in "liberty" work, meaning the horses are not restrained in any way and learn to respond to hand signals and body language.The 46-year-old horseman grew up in an equestrian family in South Africa that runs a large jumping and dressage barn. Lovgren said he didn't much enjoy the public dealings that work required, so he headed to Hollywood to learn a new type of horse training. The 23 years he's spent working in movies prepared him for the challenges of "War Horse.""All the scenes that we had to do had really all been done before in other films that I'd worked on, but never all in one. This took everything and put everything in one basket," he said. "I'm very proud of my other films, like 'Zorro' and 'Seabiscuit,' but it just has a little bit in there. The horse isn't the focal point. But in 'War Horse' it is, and it's all the time."Though Lovgren doesn't typically work with his own horses on set (he owns three, including Finder), he said he was lucky on this film that Finder was the right color. (Finder and the other horses playing Joey relied on makeup to make them look identical, with four white socks and a white star on their heads.)Lovgren met Finder while working on "Seabiscuit" and loved him so much that he bought him. The thoroughbred is more expressive than most horses, Lovgren said, which makes him an ideal movie star.Plus, he can play both genders. Finder played the mother in an early scene in the film showing the birth of Joey. That sequence and working with a foal was among the most difficult, Lovgren said. "They're very young, so you don't have much time to train them."Almost everything in "War Horse" was shot with real horses, except for a few scenes that would have caused injury to the animals. Lovgren praised Spielberg's team for their respectful approach to the horses.The toughest part of Lovgren's job isn't working with the animals, but communicating with filmmakers and other workers on set about what the horses need and what they can and can't do. Once filming begins, "it's more about communication skills than it is about training. That's something I've had to really learn," he said. "Obviously, I started working with animals because I don't work well with people (laughs), so that's been very important to learn to do that."Watching Lovgren with Finder, it's easy to see the mutual love and respect between the two. Lovgren raises his arm and the powerful animal rears up. He makes a backward motion with a whip and the horse backs up. He strikes the whip on the ground and Finder bangs his hoof into the dirt. Lovgren throws a piece of wood two dozen yards away, and Finder runs to it and stands on his mark.Lovgren doesn't train with treats, because "if you go on set and someone walks by with an apple, what's he going to do then?"Instead, the animal's reward is "I leave him alone," Lovgren said. Still, Finder stands confidently by his side.So with all the challenges of "War Horse," is it harder working with four-legged performers or two-legged Hollywood types?"I'm not going to answer that!" Lovgren said with a smile. "We all know that answer, but I'm not going to answer that."Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. By Sandy Cohen January 25, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT AP Photo/Matt Sayles ACTON, Calif. (AP) One star of Steven Spielberg's latest epic likes to end his work day by rolling around in the dirt, kicking his legs in the air and flaring his nostrils.Finder, a 12-year-old thoroughbred, is among more than 150 equine performers featured in the Oscar-nominated "War Horse," and one of 14 who play the scene-stealing Joey. He lives on a ranch about 45 miles northeast of Hollywood with veteran horse trainer Bobby Lovgren, who oversaw all the equine action on "War Horse.""Plowing, riding, chasing you name it, it's in there," said Lovgren, who calls "War Horse" ''the biggest horse movie ever made." Lovgren is the protg of legendary Hollywood horseman Glenn Randall, who trained Roy Rogers' Trigger.Thanks to the enduring appeal of horses on screen, Lovgren, Finder and "War Horse" continue a longtime tradition of Hollywood horses that began with the earliest motion pictures."Bobby and his team literally performed miracles with the horses on this film," Spielberg said. "I wanted it to feel like the horses were performing their parts as much as (actors) Emily Watson or Peter Mullan, and that is what happened. There were times during production when the horses reacted in ways I had never imagined a horse could react. You just sit back and thank your lucky stars that these horses are so cognizant that they are able to give everything to a moment."Those moments took months of training and a 22-member team of trainers, handlers and yes, equine makeup artists.Set in England during World War I, "War Horse" centers on the enduring relationship between Joey and the farm boy who trained him. When Joey is sold to soldiers heading into battle, the horse begins a journey that brings him through various fighting factions and into the lives of soldiers and civilians who are moved by his strength and spirit.The film has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including cinematography and best picture.As the film's "horse master," Lovgren oversaw everything horse-related. His team prepared the equine actors for their various duties. Some became expert jumpers, others learned to stumble or feign a struggle. There were horses for riding and horses for pulling, and even stand-ins for the star horses while shots were being set. Lovgren's team was also responsible for teaching the actors how to ride and handle the animals."We all became incredibly attached to the horses," said cast member Patrick Kennedy. "Getting to know these horses and learning to ride them was the greatest privilege I've ever had."None of the horses are credited by name in the film, and the filmmakers wouldn't say why. Lovgren said it's not uncommon: "Sometimes they'll put a few of the horses' names, but you know, realistically, it's very difficult to say that there was one hero Joey."The trainer, whose many credits include last summer's "Cowboys & Aliens," typically spends about three months preparing his equine actors for a film shoot. He specializes in "liberty" work, meaning the horses are not restrained in any way and learn to respond to hand signals and body language.The 46-year-old horseman grew up in an equestrian family in South Africa that runs a large jumping and dressage barn. Lovgren said he didn't much enjoy the public dealings that work required, so he headed to Hollywood to learn a new type of horse training. The 23 years he's spent working in movies prepared him for the challenges of "War Horse.""All the scenes that we had to do had really all been done before in other films that I'd worked on, but never all in one. This took everything and put everything in one basket," he said. "I'm very proud of my other films, like 'Zorro' and 'Seabiscuit,' but it just has a little bit in there. The horse isn't the focal point. But in 'War Horse' it is, and it's all the time."Though Lovgren doesn't typically work with his own horses on set (he owns three, including Finder), he said he was lucky on this film that Finder was the right color. (Finder and the other horses playing Joey relied on makeup to make them look identical, with four white socks and a white star on their heads.)Lovgren met Finder while working on "Seabiscuit" and loved him so much that he bought him. The thoroughbred is more expressive than most horses, Lovgren said, which makes him an ideal movie star.Plus, he can play both genders. Finder played the mother in an early scene in the film showing the birth of Joey. That sequence and working with a foal was among the most difficult, Lovgren said. "They're very young, so you don't have much time to train them."Almost everything in "War Horse" was shot with real horses, except for a few scenes that would have caused injury to the animals. Lovgren praised Spielberg's team for their respectful approach to the horses.The toughest part of Lovgren's job isn't working with the animals, but communicating with filmmakers and other workers on set about what the horses need and what they can and can't do. Once filming begins, "it's more about communication skills than it is about training. That's something I've had to really learn," he said. "Obviously, I started working with animals because I don't work well with people (laughs), so that's been very important to learn to do that."Watching Lovgren with Finder, it's easy to see the mutual love and respect between the two. Lovgren raises his arm and the powerful animal rears up. He makes a backward motion with a whip and the horse backs up. He strikes the whip on the ground and Finder bangs his hoof into the dirt. Lovgren throws a piece of wood two dozen yards away, and Finder runs to it and stands on his mark.Lovgren doesn't train with treats, because "if you go on set and someone walks by with an apple, what's he going to do then?"Instead, the animal's reward is "I leave him alone," Lovgren said. Still, Finder stands confidently by his side.So with all the challenges of "War Horse," is it harder working with four-legged performers or two-legged Hollywood types?"I'm not going to answer that!" Lovgren said with a smile. "We all know that answer, but I'm not going to answer that."Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Lea Michele to Guest Mentor on Glee Project Premiere

Lea Michele Lea Michele will appear as a mentor on the season premiere of The Glee Project, Oxygen announced Monday. The competition series, which began filming Season 2 last week, features 14 contenders trying to score a guest role on Glee. Michele stars on the Fox series as Rachel Berry, for which she's earned an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations. The Glee Project to return for second season The Glee Project will premiere in the summer on Oxygen.

'Bel Ami,' 'Haywire' to unspool in Berlin

BERLIN -- Taylor Lautner starrer "Bel Ami" and Steven Soderbergh's spy actioner "Haywire" are going to the Berlin Film Festival. "Bel Ami," Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod's feature debut, also stars Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman and Kristin Scott Thomas. An adaptation from the novel by Guy p Maupassant, the pic stories a youthful scoundrel's rise to energy in Paris through his manipulation of influential and wealthy women. "Haywire," which stars mma star Gina Carano together with a large-title cast which includes Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Ewan McGregor and Michael Fassbender, follows a black operations soldier searching for revenge. Both films will unspool from competition within the Berlinale's primary program. Also screening from competition are Hark Tsui's three dimensional actioner "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," starring Jet Li, and James Marsh's Northern Ireland drama "Shadow Dancer," with Clive Owen, Andrea Riseborough and Gillian Anderson. The game titles are among seven new films selected for that Berlinale's primary Competition selection, that is approaching completion. To date 22 films happen to be introduced, 17 which are competing for that Golden and Silver Bears. A maximum of 18 films will celebrate their world premieres within the Competition section. Further competition choices include Frederic Videau's French drama "Returning Home,Inch Nikolaj Arcel's "A Royal Affair," starring Mads Mikkelsen, and Kim Nguyen's Canadian title "Rebelle." The Berlinale runs February. 9-19. Contact Erectile dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Disney taps Ricky Strauss head of marketing

StraussFormer Participant Media prexy Ricky Strauss has been named head of marketing for Walt Disney Studios.Strauss, who also spent 16 years as a marketing and production exec at Sony, succeeds MT Carney, who announced her departure last week after a rocky 18-month tenure.Strauss will oversee global marketing for promotions, publicity, research and synergy across all distribution channels for motion pictures released under the Walt Disney Pictures (including Walt Disney Animation and Pixar Animation), Marvel Studios, and Touchstone Pictures banners, including DreamWorks Studios pics released through Touchstone.Strauss had worked with the Disney team in recent months in overseeing marketing and outreach for the Touchstone-distribbed DreamWorks' hit "The Help.""I am happy to welcome Ricky Strauss to The Walt Disney Studios family. With 25 years of industry experience, he brings a deep understanding of all aspects of the film business as well as incredible skill in branding and cutting-edge marketing," said Disney Studios chairman Ross. "He will undoubtedly raise the studios' creative bar as we enter 2012 and look ahead at showcasing a spectacular slate of films to audiences around the world."Said Strauss: "Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and DreamWorks Studios are among the world's best and brightest brands," said Strauss. "I look forward now to getting to work with the exceptional team at Disney, doing some of the most innovative marketing in the industry."It comes as no surprise that Carney's replacement has a deep resume in the film biz. Strauss previously worked as a senior marketing executive and senior veep of production at Columbia/TriStar Pictures. The appointment of Carney, a marketing vet who was schooled in new media but had no film background, turned out to be a major misstep for Disney. She was one of Ross' first major hires, appointed in April 2010, on the heels of his promotion from Disney Channels Worldwide boss to the film studio chief post in October 2009.Before joining Participant in 2005, Strauss founded Sony-based Ricochet Entertainment, where he exec produced the Cameron Diaz film "The Sweetest Thing," among other projects.When Carney was hired two years ago, skeptics questioned whether a person without a background in studio marketing could fill the role. Rumors of her exit began almost immediately, but studio execs repeatedly said they were happy with her work. Since she signed on, "Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides" passed $1 billion worldwide, while "Cars 2" hit more than $500 million but there were also flops such as "Mars Needs Moms."Strauss comes on board with elaborate campaign for sci-fier "John Carter" already in place with a March 9 launch. Key upcoming titles for Disney are Marvel's "The Avengers" on May 4, Pixar's "Brave" on June 12, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" on Aug. 15, Tim Burton's "Frankenweenie" on Oct. 5 and "Wreck-it Ralph" on Nov. 2. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

'Protocol' tops B.O. with $38.3 mil

'Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol'With up-to-date four-day figures, Paramount's "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" maintained its No. 1 position in the domestic box office, posting an believed $38.3 million through Monday for any Stateside cume of $141.two million. In second place, "A Virtual Detective: A Game Title of Shadows" totalled a modified $26.5 million from Friday to Monday. The Warners pic presently has obtained $136.5 million locally. "Ghost Protocol" -- the vacation B.O.'s top-grossing pic globally (at $366.5 million) -- assisted Componen become 2011's studio marketshare champion. In the Stateside B.O., the studio arrived at $1.96 billion throughout this past year, while worldwide, Componen hit $3.21 billion, which makes it the very first studio ever to exceed the $3 billion mark in overseas grosses throughout just one year. New Year's weekend box office saw fine four-day perfs from additional holdovers. Fox's "Alvin and also the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" made within the lengthy weekend a good believed $21 million, adopted carefully by Disney-DreamWorks' "War Equine," which collected $19.two million in four days. "Alvin" has cumed $97.4 million locally "War Equine," $45.two million. Meanwhile, The new sony-MGM's "The Lady Using the Dragon Tattoo" obtained a detailed fifth-place ranking $19 million through Monday, pushing its Stateside cume beyond the $60 million mark. The weekend's niche gamers also capitalized around the holiday's increased moviegoing (overall four-day totals were up roughly 15% within the same frame this past year). The Weinstein Co.'s "The Iron Lady" obtained the sesh's best per-screen average, with $70,102 from four U.S. locations. Pic has published an overall total $280,409 through Monday, while Weinstein's some of the best player, "The Artist," surpassed $5 million in domestic grosses. In comparison, Focus Features' "Mess Tailor Soldier Spy" is outperforming "The Artist" on the theater-by-theater basis, having a Stateside cume of $4.3 million. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com