Danny Boyle wins outstanding directorial achievement in feature film for "Slumdog Millionaire," Director’s Guild of America. It’s the runaway hit of the season, and I’m sure this little flick will score big at the Oscars, too. In his acceptance speech, Boyle said, "Dream hard."

"Kung Fu Panda" wins best animated feature, Annie Awards. In fact, it picked up ten awards, which seems surprising to me, given that one of the other nominees was "Wall-E." 

Vikas Swarup and Simon Beaufoy win a Scripter Award for "Slumdog Millionaire." Wow, what a group of nominees, though, including "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Reader," and "Revolutionary Road." I’m glad I don’t have to pick the best out of these great screenplays.

"Slumdog Millionaire" wins outstanding movie cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Heath Ledger wins best supporting actor for "The Dark Knight," which also took home the award for film stunt ensembles at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

"Slumdog Millionaire" earns a best picture award from the Producers Guild of America.

"Wall-E" wins best picture of the year from the Online Film Critics Society, while "The Dark Knight" picks up four awards, including director (Chris Nolan), best supporting actor (Heath Ledger), cinematography (Wally Pfister), and original score (James Newton Howard and Hans Zimmer).

Stay tuned!

Image: Slumdog Millionaire, TM and copyright, 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, All Rights Reserved; The Dark Knight, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2008; Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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Members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) met at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City today. Leaders had one message for them: we’re still negotiating.

Hmmm, what’s it all mean? I just hope they can work things out before it comes down to another situation like the writer’s strike last winter. I think an actor’s strike would be much more damaging to everyone involved. I believe George Clooney agrees with me on that, as he’s been working to ensure it doesn’t happen. Yeah, me and George. We’re tight.  

According to The Hollywood Reporter, SAG wants: 

• DVD residuals doubled
• consent for use of actors’ clips in new media
• jurisdiction over all programming made for new media productions
• increases in minimums, pension and health, among other things

Read more…

Those leaving the meeting said members were upbeat and positive at the event and, most importantly, supportive of the SAG leadership. “They were not a bunch of revolutionaries waving their flags,” said one member, referring to SAG leaders, including national executive director Doug Allen and SAG president Alan Rosenberg. “I’m supportive of what the negotiating team is doing. I stand behind them.”

SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers have not held formal negotiations since June 30 when the actors contract expired and the studios made their final offer to the union.

Since then, there have been three meetings between the two sides, including a question-and-answer session on the AMPTP’s offer, SAG’s response to the offer (which was a counter-proposal that the studios rejected) and a two-hour sidebar last week that resulted in “no comment” from both sides. Talks are currently in limbo with no meeting dates scheduled between the two sides.

Image: PicApp.com

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Here’s a photo of Jolie and Brad Pitt arriving at the 2008 Independent Spirit Awards. It’s pretty clear they’ll be adding a new addition to their brood, which includes Maddox, 6, Zahara, 3, Pax, 4, and Shiloh, almost 2.

Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/Getty Images

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The show started off with a bang! A mobster bang, that is. James Gandolfini and Edie Falco won for Actor/Actress in a Drama Series. Both commented that it’s been a great ten years working on “The Sopranos,” with Falco saying she’s “the luckiest woman in the world.”

The cast of “The Sopranos” also won for Ensemble in a Drama Series. Gandolfini handed the microphone off to Tony Sirico (”Paulie Walnuts”), who gave a heartfelt thank-you. Nice to see the whole cast together!

Javiar Bardem won for Male Actor in a Supporting Role for “No Country for Old Men.” Wow, take a look at his IMDB page sometime. His awards page is a mile long.

More show highlights after the jump!

“30 Rock” scored two awards: Tina Fey for Female Actor in a Comedy Series and Alec Baldwin for Male Actor in a Comedy Series.

“The Office” won for Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Jenna Fischer accepted the award as the cast crowded onstage. She dedicated it to the unsung heroes in the biz — the behind-the-scenes crew that pulls everything together.

SAG President Alan Rosenberg spoke about the 75th anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild. Did you know he’s married to actress Marg Helgenberger?

Denis Leary honored Charles Durning, 84, who plays his father on “Rescue Me.” “Believe me, there’s nothing more humiliating than an 80-year-old man who knows his lines and your lines, when you don’t,” said Leary.

Burt Reynolds stumbled on stage and added to the Charles Durning kudos. “He is America’s finest actor, as far as I’m concerned,” said Reynolds. “And the most decorated soldier in World War II.”

Durning slowly made his way to the stage amidst thunderous applause. “That’s it?” he joked, as the applause subsided. Durning said he’s grateful for such a long and industrious career. He thanked his three children and wife Mary Ann, noting, “I’m living my dream.” Aw, sweet!

Mickey Rooney, 87, appeared on stage, and the audience stood and applauded wildly (of course!).  “You’re beautiful,” he told the crowd. “Thank you for all you’ve given me for so many years. It means the world to me.” He said he’s carried his SAG card — “and proud of it!” — for 74 years, and also paid tribute to his wife, Jan.

Rooney presented the award for Outstanding Female Actor in a TV Movie or Series: Queen Latifah (who wasn’t present).

Josh Brolin took the stage, grabbing a kiss wife Diane Lane threw at him. He presented a memorium for those who passed away. So many greats, ending with Heath Ledger.

Viggo Mortensen presented for Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Ruby Dee for “American Gangster” (her first nomination and win). She rambled a bit, but the crowd listened respectfully.

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey presented for Male Actor in a Leading Role. Those two are so sweet together. I’m really looking forward to their movie, “Fool’s Gold.” The winner: Daniel Day-Lewis for “There Will Be Blood.” He’s one classy guy, dedicating his award to Heath Ledger.

Forrest Whitaker presented for Female Actor in a Leading Role. The winner: Julie Christie for “Away From Her.” She commented that it was wonderful to receive an award from her own union, “especially at a time when we’re reminded how important unions are” (referring to the writer’s strike). She dedicated the award to Sarah Polley, writer and director of the film. “And if I’ve forgotten anybody, well it’s just that I’m still in character,” said Christie.

Tom Cruise presented the award for Ensemble Cast in a Feature Film: “No Country for Old Men.” Josh Brolin accepted, calling it a “risky movie.” When Woody Harrelson leaned forward and reminded him not to forget the Coen Brothers, Brolin said, “I’m taking my time, man, this is my frickin’ moment. So back off, Woody!” All in good fun…I think…

Cruise then gave a quick sign-off and it was over!

Images/EOnline

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Brad and Angie (baby bump?) / Eva Longoria-Parker

Debra Messing and Christina Applegate / Javier Bardem

For more photos, check out EOnline.

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I started watching TV Guide’s coverage, but I can only take so much of Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone, so switched over to E!’s coverage with Debbie Matenopoulos and Giuliana Rancic, who stepped in to replace the home-sick-in-bed Ryan Seacrest. What rotten luck! The one awards show this season, and he’s sick as a dog.

Things seem very low-key this year. Oh, sure, there’s the usual inane questions and answers about fashion, workouts, staying grounded, yada yada yada. And of course, lots of talk about the writer’s strike, and how everyone hopes it’ll be over soon, as well as a few touching remarks about Heath Ledger’s death.

I have to say, there’s nothing outlandish in the way of fashion. It’s all very old-style Hollywood glamour with beautiful gowns in solid colors, upswept hairstyles, classy jewelry, and traditional tuxes on the guys.

My observations (yeah, I know you’re just waiting to hear what I have to say):

Rainn Wilson is working on his “strike beard,” and said someone called him Sasquatch upon arrival.

Lots of pregnant chicks, including Cate Blanchett and Angela Kinsey from “The Office.”

Amanda Bynes and America Ferrera say they stay grounded by not partying (simple, huh?!) and staying focused on work and family.

Teri Hatcher says she wants to embrace getting older, so she doesn’t go for the botox and fillers, but tries to eat healthy and stay in shape.

Sandra Oh – What’s up with the big ink bow? Big bows should be outlawed, because they just never ever work. Sorry, Sandra.

Denis Leary brought his 17-year-old son, Jack, who’s hot! (And way too normal to be Leary’s son.)

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrived like Hollywood royalty. But she nearly ripped her own dress off by tripping over it when she got out of the limo! Ok, excuse me, but her full breasts and flowing gown? Dead giveaway on a pregnancy. You heard it here first. Ok, maybe not first, but you heard it here anyway.

Judith Light looks way better than she did years ago on “One Life to Live.”

Glenn Close said her career has been “quite a ride,” and she’s been “lucky enough to work with a great team of people.”

Ryan Gosling rocks! He went over and signed autographs for the crowd in the bleachers.

Check back later for my comments on the show!

Images/EOnline

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For her role as a pregnant teenager in “Juno,” the 20-year-old star has scored Oscar and Screen Actors Guild nominations (the SAG awards air tonight at 8 p.m. on TNT and TBS).

“Juno” is a surprise audience favorite and one of the few box-office hits to get an Academy Award nomination. “It’s crazy. It’s absolutely crazy,” said Page in a New York Daily News story.

But not everyone is surprised by Page’s success. “Ellen is completely flexible,” notes “Juno” director Jason Reitman, who earned a best-director Oscar nod for the film. “She can go anywhere. She’s a wonderful combination of an intellect far beyond her years, and yet there are qualities of hers that are still a young girl, and those qualities charm the pants off you. She’s a perfect combo.”

So far, Page has been wary of buying into all the hype surrounding her. The down-to-earth girl prefers jeans and flannel shirts, but also cleans up pretty well when the need arises.    

“All of this is pretty surreal,” she says of the attention, adding that she empathizes with celebrities who stress out from all the publicity. “The more I do it, the more I’m like, ‘No wonder so many actors have problems!’”

More after the jump, including a video clip of Ellen’s appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” in which she talks about a haunted whorehouse. Yes, you read that right.

“It makes me feel a lot of compassion for individuals who are going through hard times. And no one is offering compassion, no one is asking the question, ‘Why does this happen?’”

A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Page got her start as a child on Canadian television, but earned attention for the indie thriller, “Hard Candy,” in which she plays a teenager who threatens to castrate a predator she meets on the Internet.

It’ll be fun to see where this talented actress goes in her career. Let’s just hope she can maintain a good balance and not go crazy with stardom. Think she can? I’m pullin’ for her!

Check out Ellen’s appearance on the January 3, 2008 episode of “The Late Show With David Letterman”:

Image: Corkery/News

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With a waiver from the Writers Guild of America, this may be the big event this awards season. Especially after the less than exciting Golden Globes earlier this month.

Not counting the Critics Choice Awards, this will be the first non-picketed awards show this season.

Although rain of biblical proportions is expected to fall on Los Angeles tomorrow, the red carpet is still in full swing, giving not only the stars a chance to shine, but also the stylists, publicists, designers, red carpet hosts, and everyone else connected with the gala.

So if you’re the least bit star-struck by this sort of thing — as I am! — be sure to tune in. It may be your only chance.

Presenters include Tom Cruise (his first as a SAG presenter), Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Ruby Dee, Zac Efron, Emile Hirsch, Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, Chandra Wilson, and SAG President Alan Rosenberg.

Burt Reynolds will present SAG’s 44th Life Achievement Award and Denis Leary will introduce a tribute to Charles Durning.

Check out the full list of nominees.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Screen Actors Guild and the 14th year of its SAG Awards.

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MOTION PICTURES

• ACTOR
  George Clooney – "Michael Clayton"
  Daniel Day-Lewis – "There Will Be Blood"
  Ryan Gosling – "Lars And The Real Girl"
  Emile Hirsch- "Into the Wild"
  Viggo Mortensen – "Eastern Promises"
• ACTRESS
  Cate Blanchett – "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
  Julie Christie – "Away From Her"
  Marion Cotillard – "La Vie en rose"
  Angelina Jolie – "A Mighty Heart"
  Ellen Page – "Juno"
• SUPPORTING ACTOR
  Casey Affleck – "The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford"
  Javier Bardem – "No Country For Old Men"
  Tommy Lee Jones – "No Country for Old Men"
  Hal Holbrook – "Into the Wild"
  Tom Wilkinson – "Michael Clayton
• SUPPORTING ACTRESS
  Cate Blanchett – "I’m Not There"
  Ruby Dee – "American Gangster"
  Catherine Keener – "Into the Wild"
  Amy Ryan – "Gone Baby Gone"
  Tilda Swinton – "Michael Clayton"
• ENSEMBLE CAST
  "3:10 to Yuma" 
  "American Gangster" 
  "Hairspray" 
  "Into the Wild" 
• OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
  "300" (Warner Bros.)
  "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal)
  "I Am Legend" (Warner Bros.)
  "The Kingdom" (Universal)
  "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End" (Walt Disney Studios)

More after the jump!

TELEVISION

• ACTOR IN A TELEFILM OR MINISERIES
  Michael Keaton – "The Company" (TNT)
  Kevin Kline – "As You Like It" (HBO)
  Oliver Platt – "The Bronx is Burning" (ESPN)
  Sam Shepard – "Ruffian" (ABC)
  John Turturro – "The Bronx is Burning" (ESPN)
• ACTRESS IN A TELEFILM OR MINISERIES
  Ellen Burstyn – "Mitch Albom’s For One More Day" (ABC)
  Debra Messing – "The Starter Wife" (USA)
  Anna Paquin – "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" (HBO)
  Queen Latifah – "Life Support" (HBO)
  Vanessa Redgrave – "The Fever" (HBO)
  Gena Rowlands – "What If God Were the Sun?" (Lifetime)
• ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
  Glenn Close – "Damages"
  Edie Falco – "The Sopranos"
  Sally Field – "Brothers & Sisters"
  Holly Hunter – "Saving Grace"
  Kyra Sedgwick – "The Closer"
• ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
  James Gandolfini – "The Sopranos"
  Michael C. Hall – "Dexter"
  Jon Hamm – "Mad Men"
  Hugh Laurie – "House"
  James Spader – "Boston Legal"
• ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
  Alec Baldwin – "30 Rock"
  Steve Carell – "The Office"
  Ricky Gervais – "Extras"
  Jeremy Piven – "Entourage"
  Tony Shalhoub – "Monk"
• ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
  Christina Applegate – "Samantha Who?"
  America Ferrera – "Ugly Betty"
  Tina Fey – "30 Rock"
  Mary-Louise Parker – "Weeds"
  Vanessa Williams – "Ugly Betty"
• DRAMA ENSEMBLE
  "Boston Legal"
  "The Closer" 
  "Grey’s Antatomy" 
  "Mad Men" 
  "The Sopranos"
• COMEDY ENSEMBLE
  "30 Rock" 
  "Desperate Housewives"  
  "Entourage"
  "The Office 
  "Ugly Betty"
• OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A TELEVISION SERIES
  "24" (FOX)
  "Heroes" (NBC)
  "Lost" (ABC)
  "Rome" (HBO)
  "The Unit" (CBS)
• LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  Charles Durning

via Variety

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Tags: Teri Hatcher, desperate housewives, stephen kay, Alec Baldwin, SAG award

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