Oscar Contenders Jockey at Box Office; THR's Actors Roundtable; 'Hugo' Tops NBR Nods; Fox Sets Midseason Schedule; Kids' Films Accused of Pushing Liberal Agenda; Tom Cruise Eyes WB's 'Mortals'

This message contains graphics. If you do not see the graphics, click here to view.

TOP STORIES Box Office Preview: 'Shame,' Oscar Contenders Jockey for Position as Awards Season Heats Up The Fox Searchlight drama hopes to overcome the stigma associated with the NC-17 rating; so far, Cinemark is the only exhibitor refusing to play the Michael Fassbender film. THR Actor Roundtable: George Clooney's Worst Job, Nick Nolte's Thoughts On Death, and Who Has 'Rage' Issues George Clooney's career that involved hammertoes, Christopher Plummer's "awful" "Sound of Music" role, Christoph Waltz never likes his own work: No topic was off-limits as six of the season's big talents loosened up to talk role models, fame and fear of failure. Hollywood Studios Accused of Pushing Liberal Agenda Through Children's Films Conservatives are striking out against what they perceive as left-wing propaganda aimed at their kids, and a movie about adorable penguins isn't their only target. Fox Schedules 'American Idol,' 'Alcatraz,' 'The Finder,' 'Touch,' More The network's midseason lineup also includes premiere dates for freshman animated series "Napoleon Dynamite" and the return of "Breaking In" as well as "Kitchen Nightmares." 'Hugo' Named Best Film of the Year by the National Board of Review The New York-based group gives its top acting prizes to George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. ANALYSIS: National Board of Review Backs Oscar Contenders Needing a Big Boost The NBR gives big boosts "Hugo," Tilda Swinton and Shailene Woodley, but snubs "Midnight in Paris," "Moneyball," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and Octavia Spencer. Tom Cruise Lining Up 'We Mortals Are' for Warner Bros. The "Mission: Impossible" star could make the sci-fi epic next year. MOVIES 'Ender's Game' Adding Hailee Steinfeld to Cast The "True Grit" actress would join "Hugo" star Asa Butterfield in the sci-fi movie. 10 Animated Shorts Move On in Oscar Race Pixar's "La Luna" and Warner Bros.' "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat" are among the shortlisted selections. Warner Bros. Acquires 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' Scribe's Next Book "Unholy Night" retells the birth of Jesus as the story of three thieves on the run. 'Cowboys & Aliens' Comic Author Sues Uni, D'Works for Copyright Infringement Steven John Busti claims his story was ripped off to create the Jon Favreau-directed film. Sundance Film Festival Announces Out-of-Competition Films Filmmakers Lynn Shelton, Katie Aselton and Joe Swanberg have new work in the 2012 Spotlight, Park City at Midnight, NEXT <=> and New Frontier programs. West Memphis Three Victim's Parents Protest Doc's Oscar Consideration  Todd and Dana Moore, parents of murdered 8-year-old Michael Moore, claim "Paradise Lost" creators Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger "profited from one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated under the guise of a documentary film." The directors respond. TV Greta Van Susteren Says Husband's Relationship With Herman Cain Not Conflict The Fox News host points out that her husband, Washington lawyer John Coale, is not being paid by the campaign of embattled GOP hopeful. John Walsh on the Jerry Sandusky Sex Scandal: 'It's Disgusting and Appalling' The host of "America's Most Wanted," which makes its Lifetime debut Friday, criticizes those involved for protecting "the mighty football program at Penn State" and hopes it will bring about a change in laws requiring mandatory reporting of sexual abuse against children. CBS News Retires 'Early Show' Title The new morning program hosted by Charlie Rose and Gayle King will be called "CBS This Morning." Roger Ebert's Movie-Review Show Going on Hiatus After Running Out of Money The film critic and his wife have been footing the bill for "At the Movies" with the help of a $25,000 contribution since it debuted on public television stations Jan. 21. Soap Shake-up: 'One Life to Live' Duo Shift to 'General Hospital' Frank Valentini will executive produce and Ron Carlivati will take over as head writer when "OLTL" ends its run in January, replacing "GH's" Jill Farren Phelps and Garin Wolf.

THE BUSINESS Netflix Hires Former Skype Executive and FCC Advisor to Head Gov't Relations Christopher Libertelli comes aboard as debate over usage-based billing heats up. Tim Tebow Effect: How a Phenom Cashes In The Jesus-loving Denver Broncos quarterback is boosting ratings and racking up endorsements despite polarizing NFL fans. ANALYSIS: What Fox's Litigation With Frank McCourt Means for the Dodgers Assuming no further delays and no last-second breakthroughs in mediation sessions, a federal bankruptcy judge will hold a key hearing on December 7 that will help determine whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can go ahead with its plan to auction future media rights in advance of a team sale. Wall Street Lauds Walt Disney Dividend Increase The entertainment conglomerate's stock doesn't move much, but some see further shareholder rewards in the company's future, and one analyst takes the hike as a sign that the firm, led by CEO Bob Iger, doesn't fear a double-dip recession. Apple's iPhone Is Yahoo's Biggest Search Term of the Year Among the other hottest topics online in 2011 were Sarah Palin, Kim Kardashian, Casey Anthony, Angry Birds and "American Idol." Entertainment Moguls to Address Wall St. Next Week as 2011 Enters Home Stretch The 39th UBS Global Media and Communications Conference will again put the ad market outlook in focus with presenters such as Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, News Corp. COO Chase Carey and Netflix's Reed Hastings who gets a chance to rebuild his company's Street cred.

STYLE The Eat Sheet: Hot New Restaurant -- Sunny Spot THR's pick of the week for industry power dining. PHOTOS: Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's Bel-Air Home For Sale The half-acre property, featuring a house and guesthouse, that the "Twilight" stars recently rented is now on the market for nearly $6 million.

---

You are currently subscribed to The Hollywood Reporter daily newsletter as dwyld.kwu.11muchado2011@blogger.com
Unsubscribe | Newsletter Preferences | Forward To A Friend | Share on Twitter or Facebook
© 2011 The Hollywood Reporter. 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 
All rights reserved. Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy

To ensure delivery of our emails, please add email@mail.hollywoodreporter.com to your address book.