VIDEO: Rizzoli & Isles' Sasha Alexander: The Rift Can "Deepen" Jane and Maura's Relationship

Our top moments of the week:13. The Worst Ex Factor: If you have to ask, "You sure this isn't racist?" three times, chances are, it probably is. On MTV's The Challenge: Battle of the Exes, Emily decides to play a "prank" on her African-American partner and ex-boyfriend, Ty, by smearing chocolate all over her face to do a blackface impersonation of him with Camila, who does her best ... Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Brendon VillegasRachel ReillyAmazing Race 20Vanessa MaciasBig BrotherSean HayesParks and RecreationThe BachelorDesperate HousewivesThe RiverCougar TownTop ChefBen FlajnikKaty PerryThe Lying GameThe Walking DeadEdward LeeRaising HopeSmashSurvivor: One World

Britton heads to ABC's 'Nashville'

Connie Britton continues to be cast within the lead role for ABC pilot "Nashville," compiled by Callie Khouri and R.J. Cutler. Britton, who migrated from her Emmy-nominated role on "Friday Evening Lights" to FX's "American Horror Story" this past year, will have a rustic singer whose career is within risk. Hayden Panettiere ("Heroes") was cast a week ago like a singing star increasing. The ensemble for "Nashville" includes Forces Boothe, Clare Bowen, Eric Close, Mike Palladio, Jonathan Jackson and Robert Knowledge. ABC Galleries and Lionsgate are creating. Steve Buchanan will even professional produce. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com

Dr. Seuss The Lorax $70+M: Years Greatest

Up-to-date… SATURDAY PM… Abbreviated Weekend Results: Clearly huge pent-up interest in a genuine children’s classic, an ‘A’ CinemaScore, along with an overheated box office incorporated for any monster hit. Rival studioshave Universal’s The Loraxlunging past$70M having a shot at $73M and even perhaps $75M. It’s the greatest grossing film ever from the Dr Seuss book, along with the greatest opener of 2012, the fourth greatest March opener, the eighth greatest animated PG film, and also the fifth greatest animated three dimensional film. The $70M-budget toon from Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Wretched Me, Hop) is also the eighth greatest Universal opener ever. And don't forget: the following animated kid film isn’t until April 27th. Yowza! Warner Bros also had mega-success using its low-budget found footage R-ranked opener Project X which hit $20+M. Best Picture Oscar champion The Artist in the Weinstein Co creeps in to the Top Ten for its15th week in release because of 790 additional locationss. Overallweekend bizis up for that ninth weekend consecutively this year: +28% over this past year.And can next weekendrequireme toautopsy reportJohn Carter? 1. The Lorax (Universal) NEW [3,729 Theaters] Friday $17.4M, Saturday $32M, Weekend $73M 2. Project X (Warner Bros) NEW [3,055 Theaters] Friday $8.1M, Saturday $7.9M, Weekend $20.5M 3. Act of Valor (Relativity) Week 2 [3,093 Theaters] Friday $3.8M, Saturday $6.4M, Weekend$14.2M, Cume$45.6M 4. Safe House (Universal) Week 4 [2,553 Theaters] Friday $1.9M, Saturday $3.6M,Weekend $7.7M, Cume $108.8M 5. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds (Lionsgate) Week2 [2,132 Theaters] Friday $1.8M, Saturday $3.4M,Weekend $7.0M, Cume $26.0M 6. Journey 2 (Warner Bros) Week 4 [3,060 Theaters] Friday $1.3M, Saturday $3.4M, Weekend $7.0M, Cume $85.5M 7. The Vow (Screen Gems/The new sony) Week4 [2,826 Theaters] Friday $1.8M, Saturday $2.8M,Weekend $6.2M,Cume $111.5M 8. What This Means Is War (Fox) Week 3 [2,342 Theaters] Friday $1.6M, Saturday $2.8M, Weekend $6.0M, Cume $41.8M 9. Ghost Driver 2 (The new sony) Week3 [2,487 Theaters[] Friday $1.1M, Saturday $2.3M, Weekend $5.0M,Cume $45M 10. The Artist (Weinstein) Week 15 [1,756 theaters] Friday $938K, Saturday $1.8M, Weekend $4.0M, Cume $37.2M

Terence Davies adapting 'Sorrows'

Davies 'Mother of Sorrows'British auteur Terence Davies is developing a feature based on "Mother of Sorrows," the prize-winning 2005 debut novel by American Richard McCann.Davies is concentrating on the project with Leopardrama, the fiction arm located in london and NY-based production group Argonon. They have development funding within the EU's Media program."Mother of Sorrows" includes 10 connected tales about two teenage brothers and sisters dealing with the dying from the father as well as the influence from the strong, complex mother. The novel won the John C. Zacharis First Book Award and was nominated for your Stonewall Book Award for gay fiction."It becomes an important story because it touches the humanity in many people,Inch Davies mentioned. "I like the delicacy in the book which is gentle journey from publish-World war ii optimism for your American Paradise with a much much deeper understanding of both maternal and filial love plus an acceptance of mortality by quitting for the light."Davies most recently directed 19 fifties-set melodrama "The Dark Blue Sea," starring Rachel Weisz, which is next set to shoot his extended-anticipated adaptation of classic Scottish novel "Sunset Song," put together by Lewis Grassic Gibbon in 1932.His last film shot inside the U.S. was "The Neon Bible" in 1995, though more youthful crowd modified Edith Wharton's novel "Home of Mirth" in 2000, using Glasgow for NY.Leopardrama, headed by Joey Attawia, Jez Swimer and David Chikwe, co-produced low-budget Brit thriller "The Holding" a year ago making "An Englishman in NY," starring John Hurt, last season.Father or mother company Argonon has furthermore introduced that it's 3d film of Matthew Bourne's output of the ballet "Swan Lake," that's due in U.K. cinemas this year, remains acquired by specialist arts distrib More2Screen for release in than 600 theaters worldwide. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Drac Attack! Sony Pictures Buys Period Bloodsucker Pitch From Jason Keller

EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures has acquired a pitch from scribe Jason Keller for a period origin story on the Dracula mythology that will be produced by Joe Roth and Palak Patel. I’m hearing the deal was high six figures against seven-figures. It becomes the latest in a growing list of films about the iconic vampire borne out of the legend of Vlad the Impaler. There is also a new version of Dracula Year Zero that has risen from the grave with Gary Shore directing, Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless writing and Moneyball‘s Mike De Luca producing. There is also an apocalyptic contemporary project coagulating that’s based on the book trilogy by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan that concluded with the recently released The Night Eternal, which Del Toro will set up when he completes Pacific Rim. And Keller himself is attached to another contemporary vampire film, adapting the Justin Cronin novel The Passage for Matt Reeves, in which government experiments on terminally ill people launches a plague of vampires. Insiders at Sony would only say the intention is to launch a period franchise. The deal brings together the combatants in the race to launch a Snow White film. Keller most recently scripted Relativity Media’s Mirror Mirror, and Roth and Patel produced Snow White and the Huntsman for Universal. Roth has been revived as a producer making iconic properties in the public domain. Aside from Alice in Wonderland and Snow White and the Huntsman, he’s producing Oz: The Great and Powerful; Maleficent with Robert Stromberg directing and Angelina Jolie starring; and the Channing Tatum-attached Peter Pan Begins. Keller also scripted Machine Gun Preacher and rewrote the upcoming Sylvester Stallone-Arnold Schwarzenegger pic The Tomb. He also scripted Go Like Hell for Fox, the battle for 60s muscle car supremacy between Ford and Ferrari that has Michael Mann attached to direct. Keller’s repped by CAA and Management 360.

Academy awards: Global media descends on Hollywood

The 84th Oscars are held in the Hollywood and Highland Center in the middle of Hollywood.Reporters James Li and Maggie Wang in the China Movie Funnel.Officials in the Military Network, above, around the red-colored carpet at Hollywood & Highland.It's three hrs and counting before the red-colored carpet outdoors the Hollywood and Highland Center is hit with ''the swarm,'' within the words of 1 cameraman busily planning the most popular couple of hrs of the season for showbiz journos.An worldwide stew of languages could be heard by early-coming reporters walking around the red-colored carpet. TV deck hands from timezones around the world are delivering live shots and hosts are preparing for chaos by studying notes with factoids concerning the various nominees -- and also the names of the significant others.One outlet that features the among the greatest auds for that Academy awards is China Movie Funnel, which reaches some 700 million homes around the landmass. Reporters James Li and Maggie Wang the Academy awards is of course certainly one of their greatest occasions of the season. Wang notes they keep your red-colored carpet coverage centered on ''the films themselves'' instead of fashion and superstar gossip.Another number of reporters drawing attention may be the uniformed trio from Military Network, who've been high-fiving the active servicemembers who're right in front row from the fan bleacher seats.

A 'Wicked' good holiday session

'Wicked' came close to the $2 million mark that Broadway usually achieves only on major holidays such as Thanksgiving. Broadway perked up for Presidents Day, with the long weekend's spike in tourist traffic pushing B.O. up by almost 30% in Week 38 (Feb. 13-19) compared with the prior frame.Also adding to the pot were two new offerings, including "Death of a Salesman" ($613,569 for six previews), the Philip Seymour Hoffman starrer that pulled in solid numbers for a first week and played to auds that approached 90% of capacity. The brief run of solo outing "Shatner's World: We Just Live in It" ($305,705 for six) played two previews and four regular perfs, including opening. Except for "The Book of Mormon" ($1,473,606), which held steady, every production on the boards reported gains, many of them significant.The heftiest chunk of change, of course, was pulled in at the top-ticket hits, including "Wicked" ($1,903,024), "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" ($1,709,139) and "The Lion King" ($1,665,141), which climbed by more than $300,000 each. Buoyed in part by the increasing prevalence of premium pricing as well as Broadway's consistently rising ticket prices across the board, "Wicked" came within spitting distance of the $2 million mark, an achievement that a few years ago, used to be reserved for B.O.-busting major holidays such as Thanksgiving.Overall Rialto cume climbed $4.4 million to $20.1 million for the 26 shows on the boards. Attendance was up by 35,000 to almost 210,000, or about 85% of overall capacity.The 17 musicals grossed $16,138,494 for 80.4% of the Broadway total, with attendance of 162,575 and an average paid admission of $99.27.The nine plays grossed $3,932,703 for 19.6% of the Broadway total, with attendance of 47,366 and an average paid admission of $83.03. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Multiplatform viewing develops but TV still rules

New Nielsen data sees signs and symptoms of growth for video consumption across digital platforms, but nonetheless nowhere near TV levels. Video consumption via either PC or cell phones came to in excess of four minutes per user monthly within the third quarter of this past year, far in the over 146 minutes of TV watching in your home through the same measure, based on the "Condition from the Media: U.S. Digital Consumer Report Q3-Q4 2011" released Thursday. However, watching television in your home was up under 1% within the same quarter this year, as the 4 hrs and 31 minutes of viewing registered by video audiences using the pc was up 7.1%. Mobile-phone viewing was flat at 4 hrs and twenty minutes over 3Q'10, however the 12-17 demo is watching more about cell phones than you are on Computers -- unlike other census. Still, video consumption pales compared to non-video habits including social media, Web surfing, text-texting and e-mailing on PC and cell phones. Just 4.3% of your time on Computers is dedicated to watching video and films while only 2.3% of mobile time is dedicated to music and video applications. Video consumption is much more common on cell phones than handheld multimedia products, tablet or gaming systems no matter region, with Europe, South America and Asia Off-shore all confirming similar trends. One-fifth of participants to some Nielsen survey in The United States reported watching video on their own mobile products daily. On Computers alone, YouTube continues to be dominant choice, commanding 44.7% of movie time. Netflix finishes at 10.7%, then Hulu (6.9%) and Vevo (3%). The development of subscription VOD consumption was noted within the research, with 33% of U.S. customers confirming getting streamed a film or Tv show through services for example Netflix or Hulu Plus. In comparison, only 14% report getting compensated to download a film or Tv show to possess. Contact Andrew Wallenstein at andrew.wallenstein@variety.com

William Fichtner To Exchange Dwight Yoakam In Lone Ranger

EXCLUSIVE: Disney has drawn on William Fichtner to exchange Dwight Yoakam within the Lone Ranger. He'll take part in the theif that Yoakam was set to defend myself against prior to the actor-singer dropped out Friday due to a arranging conflict. Now Fichtner is within. He just completed filming Elysuim for Universal and MRC with Matt Damon and Jodie Promote, in addition to Phantom opposite Erectile dysfunction Harris and David Duchovny. Fichtner, repped by Paradigm and Intellectual Artist Management, can make his pointing debut using the indie Coldbrook after wrapping Lone Ranger.

Ford Won't Be In New Blade Runner

Rumours flatly denied by production co.This is one of those stories where we update on a rumour that seemed so tenuous that we didn't bother to report it in the first place. But if you saw reports last weekend that Harrison Ford was in talks to return as Deckard, you can now safely ignore them. Production company Alcon Entertainment has flat-out told Deadline that, whatever Ridley Scott's new Blade Runner turns out to be, Harrison Ford almost certainly won't be in it.Scott had already said this pretty categorically several months ago, and given Ford's well-known antipathy for the film (he didn't come to love it like the rest of the world), the possibility of the actor's involvement always seemed remote at best. But Alcon's Andrew Kosove reiterates that with a fairly strident, "It is absolutely patently false that there has been any discussion about Harrison Ford being in Blade Runner.""What we are trying to do with Ridley now is go through the painstaking process of trying to break the back of the story, figure out the direction we're going to take the movie and find a writer to work on it," he explains. "The casting of the movie could not be further from our minds at this moment. It's like asking if we're going to make the sky red or blue. There has been no discussion about it."Kosove was also keen to stress that, as most have surmised, Scott is not planning anything like a conventional sequel to his 1982 classic. "What Ridley's doing in Prometheusis a good template for what we're trying to do," Kosove says. "He created something that has some association to the original Alien, but lives on its own as a standalone movie."So what about that "almost certainly"? "In advance of knowing what we're going to do, I suppose you could say yes, [Ford] could [return]," Kosove admits. "But I think it is quite unlikely."

Fox Orders Season 5 of Kitchen Nightmares

Kitchen Nightmares Fox will serve up a fifth season of Kitchen Nightmares, the network announced Thursday."It's great to be back for a fifth season ... Who knew there were that many nightmares to be had?!" series star and executive producer Gordon Ramsay said in a statement.Watch full episodes of Kitchen NightmaresThe reality series follows the short-tempered chef as he travels to restaurants on the brink of closing and whips the place into shape.Ramsay, 45, also hosts Fox's cooking competition series Hell's Kitchen.Kitchen Nightmares airs Fridays at 8/7 on Fox.

Mega Buzz: A House Tragedy, a Housewives Baby-Daddy and an SVU Reunion

Hugh Laurie, Teri Hatcher, Mariska Hargitay Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questionsto mega_scoop@tvguide.com. Thanks for the preview of next week's House. Anything else you can tell me? - Alex ADAM: While lots of (deserved) attention has been paid to Jeffrey Wright's excellent guest turn as a neurologist deciding House's fate, don't take your eyes off the rest of the team. The incident that leads to the investigation leaves a major character fighting serious injuries that could upend his or her future on the show. And the crippling fallout will even have Dr. Crankypants uttering the words - gasp! - "I'm sorry." Is Julie really pregnant on Desperate Housewives? - Jaime NATALIE: The promos don't lie, and neither do we. Susan is going to be a grandma. The surprise twist? The father of Julie's baby is a character who has been on the show since Season 1. Hit the comments with your guesses! Any new SVU scoop? - Natalie, via Twitter ADAM: Guess who's paying Benson a visit? Her younger brother Simon! The character, who is played by Michael Weston and last appeared in Season 8, shows up with some shocking news: Olivia is now an aunt. There's just one small problem: Simon is about to lose his kid in a battle with child social services. Good thing Benson knows this guy, right? What's coming up on Grey's Anatomy? - Nikki NATALIE: Jackson's famous surgeon mom (played by the vivacious Debbie Allen) will return in an upcoming episode with a urology fellow (Outsourced's Rebecca Hazlewood) in tow to assist on one of Richard's cases. There's just one problem: Dr. Catherine Avery has her laser focus set on more than just Richard's case... Any more scoop on Castle's two-parter? - Christine ADAM: As with the show's previous two-part episodes, there will be crazy stunts and big action set pieces. "We filmed a stunt, and we had to be fitted for wetsuits," Nathan Fillion tells us. But as much fun as it is to imagine Fillion and Stana Katic frolicking in the surf, stripping off their scuba gear, we hear the suits figure into a scene of a much more treacherous aquatic variety. Loving Once Upon a Time, especially the Evil Queen. What's coming up for her? - David NATALIE: Who's more evil than the Evil Queen? Her elegant, yet imposing mother, of course, aka the woman who taught Regina everything. Chills. (This just in: Academy Award nominee Barbara Hershey has booked a multi-episode arc as the matriarch of the most evil family in fairy tale world. The Black Swan actress has the potential to return in Season 2, should the series be renewed.) So sad to see Catherine go on CSI. What can you tell me about her replacement Elisabeth Shue? - Stephen ADAM: Shue's character, Julie Finlay, has a history with Ted Danson's D.B. Russell, who calls on her expertise in blood analysis to crack a case. "They're sort of rekindling the relationship, professionally," executive producer Don McGill says. And personally? "Russell, as far as he's told Catherine, has only... slept with one woman and loved one woman in his life," executive producer Carol Mendelsohn says. "But we will find out that 'Finn' was his work wife. That's a really interesting relationship." 2 Broke Girls, please! - Boris NATALIE: Here's an odd coincidence: When the ladies go to visit Caroline's father in prison, Max runs into an ex... who's doing seven to 10 years for attempted murder. Let's just hope he doesn't break out of prison, because he might be really jealous of the guy Max meets - and hooks up with -- when the ladies get a job house-sitting. I love Maya Rudolph on Up All Night. Got any scoop on her character? - Heather ADAM: Her dad is coming to town! He's the opposite of Ava is many ways - he's lovable, sweet and writes children's books. His one Ava-like aspect? He has a new wife who's the same age as Ava. Is there any hope for Addison and Sam on Private Practice? - Lily NATALIE: "She had a serious thing with Sam, so I don't think she gets over stuff quite as quickly as you may think," Kate Walsh tells us. "Like anything, it takes time and it's a little bumpy and there may be some revisiting." However, Addison and Jake's work trip to Palm Springs is definitely a turning point for their relationship. "There's some sexiness happening," Walsh says coyly. What's coming up on A Gifted Man? Will we see more of Eriq La Salle? - Jenny ADAM: La Salle's E-Mo will be in two of the remaining five episodes, including Season 1's penultimate hour, which finds Michael in a very compromising position. "What if Michael were in a full-blown argument with Anna and somebody walked in on that? How do you explain that?" executive producer Neal Baer teases. "E-Mo walks into a major blowout ... and Michael has a lot of explaining to do." What are they fighting about? It may have something to do with a certain red-headed doctor named Kate, who will soon begin to have doubts about her marriage. Got any scoop on Modern Family? - Sam NATALIE: Get ready for a drunken double date! Claire, Phil, Mitchell and Cam will head out for a night on the town... to talk about some serious issues. "Everyone is discussing the pros and cons of procreating and they get drunk to do it," teases Julie Bowen. In possibly related news, "Someone in the cast who's not a female wears Jimmy Choo shoes," Sarah Hyland says. Adam's Mega Rave: Good job, X Factor. The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem - or in your case, three problems. Now that you've taken the necessary steps, I'll give Season 2 a second look. Natalie's Mini Rant: Congrats to reigning SAG champs Alec, Betty, Steve and the casts of Boardwalk Empire and Modern Family, but can't we give some other people a shot at the glory? Crave scoop on your favorite TV shows?E-mail Adam and Natalie at mega_scoop@tvguide.comor drop us a line atTwitter.com/TVGuide (Additional reporting by Robyn Ross and Kate Stanhope)

The Help Leads SAG Individuals who win SAG-AFTRA Merger Plan Introduced

Round the only award show where every award visits an actress, the 18th Annual Screen Stars Guild Honours gave top honors for the ensembles in the Help, Boardwalk Empire, and Modern Family within the La Shrine Exposition Concentrate on Sunday.The evening features its own share of both comedy and drama. The nominated cast of Bridesmaids introduced a ongoing consuming game in regards to the title Scorsese, which received many laughs. The presentations more dramatic elements were an unpredicted win by Jean Dujardin for lead male actor inside the Artist together with an argument by SAG leader Ken Howard. For people who had been following SAGs extended journey toward merger while using American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Howards speech will be a large onesymbolically, no less than. He came out midway using the two-hour show and momentarily upstaged the honours-season equine race getting a extended-anticipated announcement.A couple of days ago, our boards have very endorsed an idea for merger of SAG and AFTRA, Howard mentioned. While you union, SAG-AFTRA will offer the next of great entertainment for individuals.The merger plan must next visit people of SAG and AFTRA for just about any ratification election. The ultimate work for balance merger not successful in 2003, when SAG fell just missing the sixty percent approval needed in the individuals to ratify.The show appeared to become filled with many touching moments. Carrying out a standing ovation from his peers, Dick Van Dyke presented Mary Tyler Moore getting a existence achievement award. Christopher Plummer, who won for supporting male actor in Beginners, thanked his wife in order to save his existence. He recognized towards the press backstage he happen to be an awful drunk plus it was his wife who made him quit.Inside the press room, the individuals who win were very candid. Alec Baldwin, who won for male actor in the comedy series, recognized he wanted he'd been less open previously. "Most likely the very best film stars are the types you realize nothing about, he told reporters. Who maintain it very disinfected. If perhaps I'd attempted it myself in those days.Inch Octavia Spencer, who won for supporting female actor for "The Assistance,Inch needed her time while using press to go over racism and weight reduction. We must start standing to reside in and say, This can be who I am.Being quiet is going to be passive.Jessica Lange, champion of supporting female actor for American Horror Story, spoke about her acting process around the program. I came across it an amazing approach to work rather than restricting using what you're capable of singing, she referred to. Its a sizable character and I have got an enjoyable experience from it. Im open to the potential for anything happening inside the moment. I have thought it was exhilarating and surprising and luxuriate in kicking it to another level. However, in order to employment such as this could tasks are when its according to effective writing.The whole report on nominees and individuals who win is below. (Individuals who win are shown by getting an asterisk.)MOTION PICTUREOutstanding Performance Having A Cast In The Motion PictureBridesmaidsThe ArtistThe DescendantsThe Help*Evening amount of time in ParisOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Leading RoleGeorge Clooney, The DescendantsDemian Bichir, A Far Greater LifeLeonardo DiCaprio, J. EdgarJean Dujardin, The Artist*Kaira Pitt, MoneyballOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Leading RoleMichelle Williams, My Week With MarilynGlenn Close, Albert NobbsViola Davis, The Help-Meryl Streep, The Iron LadyTilda Swinton, We must Discuss KevinOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Supporting RoleNick Nolte, WarriorKenneth Branagh, My Week With MarilynArmie Hammer, J. EdgarJonah Hill, MoneyballChristopher Plummer, Beginners*Outstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Supporting RoleOctavia Spencer, The Help-Berenice Bejo, The ArtistJessica Chastain, The HelpMelissa McCarthy, BridesmaidsJanet McTeer, Albert NobbsOutstanding Performance Having A Stunt Ensemble In The Motion PictureThe Adjustment BureauCowboys & AliensHarry Potter as well as the Deahtly Hallows: Part II*Transformers: Dark in the MoonX-Males: First ClassTELEVISIONOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Television Movie Or MiniseriesLaurence Fishburne, ThurgoodPaul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail*Greg Kinnear, The KennedysGuy Pearce, Mildred PierceJames Forest, Too Big to FailOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Television Movie Or MiniseriesDiane Lane, Cinema VeriteMaggie Cruz, Downton AbbeyEmily Watson, Appropriate AdultBetty White-colored, The Lost ValentineKate Winslet, Mildred Pierce*Outstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Drama SeriesPatrick J. Adams, SuitsSteve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire*Kyle Chandler, Friday Evening LightsBryan Cranston, Breaking BadMichael C. Hall, DexterOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Drama SeriesKathy Bates, Harrys LawGlenn Close, DamagesJessica Lange, American Horror Story*Julianna Margules, The Truly Amazing WifeKyra Sedgwick, The CloserOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Comedy SeriesAlec Baldwin, 30 Rock*Ty Burrell, Modern FamilySteve Carell, The OfficeJon Cryer, two and a half MenEric Stonestreet, Modern FamilyOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Comedy SeriesJulie Bowen, Modern FamilyEdie Falco, Nurse JackieTina Fey, 30 RockSofia Vergara, Modern FamilyBetty White-colored, Hot In Cleveland*Outstanding Performance By An Ensemble In The Drama SeriesBoardwalk Empire*Breaking BadDexterGame of ThronesThe Good WifeOutstanding Performance By An Ensemble In The Comedy Series30 RockThe Large Bang TheoryGleeModern Family*The OfficeOutstanding Performance Having A Stunt Ensemble In The Television SeriesDexterGame of Thrones*SouthlandSpartacus: Gods in the ArenaTrue Blood stream By Jessica Gardner The month of the month of january 29, 2012 "The AssistanceInch PHOTO CREDIT Dale Robinette/DreamWorks Round the only award show where every award visits an actress, the 18th Annual Screen Stars Guild Honours gave top honors for the ensembles in the Help, Boardwalk Empire, and Modern Family within the La Shrine Exposition Concentrate on Sunday.The evening features its own share of both comedy and drama. The nominated cast of Bridesmaids introduced a ongoing consuming game in regards to the title Scorsese, which received many laughs. The presentations more dramatic elements were an unpredicted win by Jean Dujardin for lead male actor inside the Artist together with an argument by SAG leader Ken Howard. For people who had been following SAGs extended journey toward merger while using American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Howards speech will be a large onesymbolically, no less than. He came out midway using the two-hour show and momentarily upstaged the honours-season equine race getting a extended-anticipated announcement.A couple of days ago, our boards have very endorsed an idea for merger of SAG and AFTRA, Howard mentioned. While you union, SAG-AFTRA will offer the next of great entertainment for individuals.The merger plan must next visit people of SAG and AFTRA for just about any ratification election. The ultimate work for balance merger not successful in 2003, when SAG fell just missing the sixty percent approval needed in the individuals to ratify.The show appeared to become filled with many touching moments. Carrying out a standing ovation from his peers, Dick Van Dyke presented Mary Tyler Moore getting a existence achievement award. Christopher Plummer, who won for supporting male actor in Beginners, thanked his wife in order to save his existence. He recognized for the press backstage he happen to be an awful drunk plus it was his wife who made him quit.Inside the press room, the individuals who win were very candid. Alec Baldwin, who won for male actor in the comedy series, recognized he wanted he'd been less open previously. "Most likely the very best film stars are the types you realize nothing about, he told reporters. Who maintain it very disinfected. If perhaps I'd attempted it myself in individuals days.InchOctavia Spencer, who won for supporting female actor for "The Help,In . needed her time while using press to go over racism and weight reduction. We must start standing to reside in and say, This can be who I am.Being quiet is going to be passive.Jessica Lange, champion of supporting female actor for American Horror Story, spoke about her acting process around the program. I came across it an amazing approach to work rather than restricting with what you might do, she referred to. Its a sizable character which i've a good time from it. Im open to the potential for anything happening inside the moment. I have thought it was exhilarating and surprising and luxuriate in kicking it to another level. However, in order to employment similar to this could work occurs when its according to effective writing.The whole report on nominees and individuals who win is below. (Individuals who win are shown by getting an asterisk.)MOTION PICTUREOutstanding Performance Having A Cast In The Motion PictureBridesmaidsThe ArtistThe DescendantsThe Help*Evening amount of time in ParisOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Leading RoleGeorge Clooney, The DescendantsDemian Bichir, A Far Greater LifeLeonardo DiCaprio, J. EdgarJean Dujardin, The Artist*Kaira Pitt, MoneyballOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Leading RoleMichelle Williams, My Week With MarilynGlenn Close, Albert NobbsViola Davis, The Help-Meryl Streep, The Iron LadyTilda Swinton, We must Discuss KevinOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Supporting RoleNick Nolte, WarriorKenneth Branagh, My Week With MarilynArmie Hammer, J. EdgarJonah Hill, MoneyballChristopher Plummer, Beginners*Outstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Supporting RoleOctavia Spencer, The Help-Berenice Bejo, The ArtistJessica Chastain, The HelpMelissa McCarthy, BridesmaidsJanet McTeer, Albert NobbsOutstanding Performance Having A Stunt Ensemble In The Motion PictureThe Adjustment BureauCowboys & AliensHarry Potter as well as the Deahtly Hallows: Part II*Transformers: Dark in the MoonX-Males: First ClassTELEVISIONOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Television Movie Or MiniseriesLaurence Fishburne, ThurgoodPaul Giamatti, Too Big to Fail*Greg Kinnear, The KennedysGuy Pearce, Mildred PierceJames Forest, Too Big to FailOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Television Movie Or MiniseriesDiane Lane, Cinema VeriteMaggie Cruz, Downton AbbeyEmily Watson, Appropriate AdultBetty White-colored, The Lost ValentineKate Winslet, Mildred Pierce*Outstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Drama SeriesPatrick J. Adams, SuitsSteve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire*Kyle Chandler, Friday Evening LightsBryan Cranston, Breaking BadMichael C. Hall, DexterOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Drama SeriesKathy Bates, Harrys LawGlenn Close, DamagesJessica Lange, American Horror Story*Julianna Margules, The Truly Amazing WifeKyra Sedgwick, The CloserOutstanding Performance Having A Male Actor In The Comedy SeriesAlec Baldwin, 30 Rock*Ty Burrell, Modern FamilySteve Carell, The OfficeJon Cryer, two and a half MenEric Stonestreet, Modern FamilyOutstanding Performance Having A Female Actor In The Comedy SeriesJulie Bowen, Modern FamilyEdie Falco, Nurse JackieTina Fey, 30 RockSofia Vergara, Modern FamilyBetty White-colored, Hot In Cleveland*Outstanding Performance By An Ensemble In The Drama SeriesBoardwalk Empire*Breaking BadDexterGame of ThronesThe Good WifeOutstanding Performance By An Ensemble In The Comedy Series30 RockThe Large Bang TheoryGleeModern Family*The OfficeOutstanding Performance Having A Stunt Ensemble In The Television SeriesDexterGame of Thrones*SouthlandSpartacus: Gods in the ArenaTrue Blood stream

Cox rolls out mid-price cable tier

Cox Communications, the nation's third largest cable company, said it's launching a new Cox TV Economy package for money-conscious consumers that's in between the pared-down basic and expanded channel offerings, but like basic doesn't include ESPN and some other networks. The $35 option is a midpoint between the $20 starter package and circa $60 expanded basic cable. A spokesman said the new package tested well with consumers and is being rolled out in different markets. While still a far cry from the "a la carte" programming that content companies fear, the move is another sign that consumers are eager for alternatives in difficult economic times and with viewing options multiplying. The news first came out in a regualtory filing. Cox, which has 6 million subscribers, will likely continue to promote its higher-tier, higher-cost products more heavily. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

CBS orders Bruckheimer pilot

CBS has collared a Jerry Bruckheimer TV pilot, giving a greenlight to a drama about a mother-turned-N.Y. state trooper. Warner Bros. TV's "Trooper" was penned by Aron Eli Coleite ("Heroes"). Law enforcement vehicle turns on a woman whose common-sense approach to police work. Coleite exec produces with Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman. Bruckheimer TV's KristieAnne Reed serves as co-exec producer. "Trooper" marks Bruckheimer TV's first formal pilot greenlight of the season, though the WBTV-based shingle has big commitments from NBC for a 1980s-set wrestling drama and from ABC for a Navy SEALs drama. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com

'Magic/Bird' snags Longacre

Incoming basketball bio play "Magic/Bird" has slam-dunked its spot on Broadway, nabbing the Longacre Theater for an April opening. Production also has lined up a cast that includes Peter Scolari, Off Broadway vet Deirdre O'Connell, Rob Ray Manning Jr. and Francois Battiste, appearing alongside previously announced topliners Kevin Daniels and Tug Coker. "Magic/Bird" pounces on the Rialto vacancy left by "Chinglish," whose producers announced its closing earlier this week. Show confirms its slot in a new play lineup this season that also includes "Seminar," "Venus in Fur," "Stick Fly," "The Mountaintop" and upcoming outings "The Columnist" and "One Man, Two Guvnors." Storyline of "Magic/Bird" follows the hoops rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, with a script developed from interviews with the two players. Show is the second sports-centric stage outing from producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, who mounted pigskin play "Lombardi" last season. "Magic/Bird" reunites the creative team of that show, including writer Eric Simonson and helmer Thomas Kail ("In the Heights"). "Magic/Bird" begins previews March 21 ahead of an April 11 opening at the Longacre. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Don Cheadle: Iron Man 3 Is More Action Packed; Talks House Of Lies Lingo

First Published: January 17, 2012 10:29 AM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption 2012 Showtime TCAs: Don Cheadle - Iron Man 3 Is Even More Action Packed Than The First Two! LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Don Cheadle is enjoying his role as Marty Kaan on Showtimes House of Lies, but fans shouldnt worry. The series shooting schedule wont conflict with the actor taking on Iron Man 3 this spring. I have to shoot Iron Man 3 in May, he told Access Hollywood recently as he promoted his hot cable show, which he stars in and executive produces. Its manageable. I can juggle it, so Im good. The actor confirmed he has seen a version of the script, but joked it needed a little work. What did you think of it? Access asked. I wasnt in it enough, so theyre going to have to [go back to] the drawing board, he said, tongue-in-cheek. As for his real thoughts on the upcoming Marvel project, Don said compared to the first two installments this one is even more exciting. This ones a lot more the one I saw anyway, and itll change [in] five months, itll change a lot but its a lot more, its more action packed, Don told Access. Its crazy, it is though, its a lot more fun. I think the interplay between [Robert Downey Jr.s] character and my character My character is a lot more dynamic, so Im looking forward to it. Dons own show, which airs on Sunday nights at 10 PM on Showtime, sees the actor playing Marty, the head of a band of management consultants, who are called in to help out corporate America and business people in times of crisis. At times in the series, which also stars Kristen Bell, Don, as Marty, speaks straight to the camera, breaking what the actors call the fourth wall, and explaining the lingo the team use as they work out their deals. Management consulting is kind of an inside thing.[Breaking the fourth wall], I think it helps people to understand what were doing and these terminologies that we throw around. boiling the ocean, opening the kimono. its nice to take a pause and go, This is all that means, dont sweat it, youre fine. Don explained. And then we keep going. Don admitted a few of the shows fancy phrases have even crept into his own vocabulary. Ive tried not to, but Ive said, trying to drill down into this before and things like that kind of sneak their way [in], where my wife looks at me and says, Dont say that, Don said. But, its fun because its its own anthropological language and it gives you kind of an insight into who these guys are. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Broadway 'Chinglish' to close

Broadway play "Chinglish" has called it quits, setting a closing date for the end of the month. The David Henry Hwang play, which earned a mixed bag of reviews from Gotham press, never built up enough box office momentum to sustain a Rialto run. Since beginning previews Oct. 11, weekly sales have never topped $400,000, and the last month has seen the show playing to less than 40% of capacity (except during the heavily-trafficked holiday frame). Directed by Leigh Silverman, "Chinglish" initially bowed at the Goodman Theater in Chicago, where the production nabbed critical acclaim that helped spur the Broadway transfer. Storyline centers on an American businessman struggling to navigate the cultural divide when travels to China in an effort to expand his family business. Jennifer Lim, Gary Wilmes and Stephen Pucci star in the Broadway incarnation. "Chinglish" is one of several Main Stem outings this season from producers Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, whose revised version of "Porgy and Bess" opened last week and has initially posted solid sales. Tuner "Bonnie and Clyde," on the other hand, eked out only a short run before shuttering Dec. 30. Next up for Richards and Frankel is "Gore Vidal's The Best Man," opening in April. "Chinglish" closes Jan. 29 at the Longacre Theater. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

Octavia Spencer Brought To Tears Following Golden Globe Win

First Published: January 16, 2012 11:19 AM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption The winner for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture Octavia Spencer poses with the trophy at the 69th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, January 15, 2012LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Octavia Spencer gave a passionate acceptance speech at Sundays Golden Globes after winning Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Help, and when she left the stage, her emotions took over. I got backstage and I just started crying, the actress revealed to Access Hollywoods Billy Bush after her big win. Its been very wonderful, the first-time Globe winner continued. This is really overwhelming. I cant even tell you. Im so overwhelmed. Im still in a state of shock Its wonderful. In addition to a Golden Globe, the 41-year-old star Tweeted that she landed congratulatory kissed from George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, director Steven Speilberg and also developed a girl crush on fellow Globe nominee Charlie Theron. The actress told Billy that she planned on celebrating with her fellow The Help co-stars, but also revealed she was looking forward to slipping into something a little more comfortable. I thought I was going to party all night but I dont have it in me. I just want to go home, wash my face, de-Spanx, she said. I got to take them off. Im triple Spanxed tonight I just want to pop them off! Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.