Ratings: Oscars Publish Slight Gain

Tamra Barney Once The Real Regular folks of Orange County's Tamra must be stuck around the deserted island using one of her castmates, who'd she choose? Not her Closest friend Vicki or new bestie Gretchen. "Louise!" Tamra notifies TVGuide.com. "She's an enjoyable experience which i understand she'd have champagne packed somewhere." VIDEO: The Particular Regular folks of O.C.'s Gretchen describes fallout with Vicki Inside the video below, Tamra plays our game brand-new game, "Which Housewife?" throughout which she notifies us which in the show's cast people might be the fakest, who is regarded as the sincere which has the most effective spontaneity. Plus: Will Tamra and current boyfriend Eddie walk lower the aisle soon? The Particular Regular folks of Oc airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

Lythgoe, MY-Tupelo eye new dance format

MOSCOW -- MY-Tupelo Entertainment has acquired U . s . States rights with a popular Ukranian dance competition format from Star Media and may co-obtain the project with Nigel Lythgoe Prods. "Go Dance!" features massed troupes of youthful ballroom ballroom dancers -As much as 500 at any time together for particularly choreographed programs -- facing off in Kiev's Maidan Square each week. Within the finish in the 11-week contest, the winning troupe's city is called the dance capital of the united states. Created by Russian/Ukrainian Star Media Group and Studio Kvartal 95, the skein is at its second season. Viewer rates of interest are spiked having a reality element for the demonstrate that follows the lives in the ballroom ballroom dancers simply because they prepare for the brilliant programs that are broadcast live at that time in the dance-off. "We are very searching toward this massive and exciting format that Nigel would bring to existence, like only they can,In . MY-Tupelo prexy Michael Yudin mentioned. "Hopefully this being the initial of several effective projects perform with Star Media." Yudin, Star Media's worldwide sales consultant William Peck and Star Media mind of worldwide projects Maria Grechishnikova counseled me associated with closing north of manchester American pact. "The sale is very significant for people,In . Star Media Group mind Vlad Ryashin mentioned, "because Ukrainian technique is rarely bought for your American market. We believe this truly worldwide show will probably be of curiosity in several other nations." Star reaches talks together with other potential customers in Asia and europe and was close to closing a deal in Russia, he added. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Oscar Roundtable: Meet This Year's Best Costume Design Nominees

As the big night fast approaches, its time for another of Movielines virtual awards roundtables. Our Oscar nominees this time are up for Best Costume Design. They are (in alphabetical order): Lisy Cristal, Anonymous Michael OConnor, Jane Eyre Arianne Phillips, W.E. Sandy Powell, Hugo (The Artist costume designer Mark Bridges was unavailable to participate.) Congrats to them! But now we have some questions. Take a moment to get to know them, their stories, their takes on the race, and, of course, their respective Oscar-night dates. Where do you get started in the huge undertaking that is costume design for a film? CRISTAL: It starts with the wonderful work of research and the decision to stay true to and yet imaginative with the era. You start with how it was and then you find your own interpretation of the era. After a certain time, I became familiar with the time period; day by day it became more natural to design costumes and to dress nobles, theater actors, poor locals, etc. from the 16th century. Of course, finding the right people for the costume crew and the workshops is also a huge undertaking as well. We decided to work with two famous workshops in London (Sands Film and Cosprop). OCONNOR: After reading the script, I normally read the book. Sometimes it can be very useful. There can be extra character information in the book that is nuanced in the script. Then I start, as detailed as I can, researching the time period and what I think is most important about it, such as silhouette and textiles. I will meet with the director to get a brief about how he/she thinks it should be visualised and then with the production designers to see what their thoughts are;it is always a collaboration in some way. I start looking for materials at the same time as the meetings and briefings are ongoing. I then take my ideas to the actors at thefirst fitting. PHILLIPS: Meetings with the director. Then lots of RESEARCH, research, research, especially for a biographical or historical film. POWELL: Having read the script [and] met with the director to hear his views, opinions and ideas, I will approach all my regular collaborators to set up the department that will work with me to create and produce the costumes. The first thing to do usually is to research and accumulate as much visual reference as possible. This is done by looking at photography from the period, films and paintings. I also look at original clothing and textiles and start to pull all the clothing used for extras from the costume houses around the world. This was a huge undertaking on Hugo as there were so many extras in two different periods, 1931 and the early 1900s. This is another big year for period costumes at the Oscars. Why does the Academy seem to gravitate toward period costumes? CRISTAL: Period costumes are something like the "home country" of costume making. You cant buy a period costume. It represents and brings you into a certain era. It gives a "historical skin" to the actors. All of this lets the audience move away from the ordinary, daily environment. OCONNOR: I think with period costume when done well, the Academy recognizes a level of skill and creativity that is needed produce individual characters in an historical context. Clothing of the past is a lot more complicated than that of today. That is not to say that contemporary costume is easy because, in most cases, it is certainly not, if done well. Sometimes great contemporary costumes which are right for the film can be far more persuasive than period costumes. PHILLIPS: The mystery of "what was" is always enchanting, creating a world from a past time. Nostalgia also can play into it. We notice period costumes. They help set the tone, time and place. We rely on costumes to let us know when the story takes place. Period costumes inform the audience where we are in time. The audience relies on them. It can be far more challenging and subtle in contemporary film, which is all about a shared language of what is now. POWELL: Unfortunately, I think not only the Academy but most people think that the word costume only refers to something vintage. It does seem to be very rare that a contemporary costumed film gets noticed in this category. I think its easier to be impressed by period costume as its an unknown thing to most people, whereas everyone knows about and has had an opinion on contemporary clothes. There is as much effort, thought and skill in designing a contemporary film as well as doing a period one. I think there should be two categories recognized, as its difficult to compare contemporary to period. How did you keep the designs fresh yet true to their era? CRISTAL: My ambition is to see an era with my "modern" eyes. To integrate my taste in the time period, I try to overcome the distance between my taste and the historical taste. OCONNOR: It is necessary to be able to make new costumes specifically for the current production you are working on. This way you are able to control the look of the film and how you intend to represent the period and the different characters within it. Also a lotcan be said about how much of the period you choose toreject for whateverreason. PHILLIPS: It is all about from what point of view you are telling the story. A good script with compelling characters demands truth. I design period costumes, keeping a modern contemporary eye on it. What will tell the period in a more intelligent way, how can I avoid anything retro that might take the audience out of the story? I edit the period, and consider the quiet moments, to help underscore the emotional work often being done on film by the actors. POWELL: I like to always begin a period film by researching it accurately but then maybe taking a bit of artistic license by sometimes giving it a contemporary twist. Quite often this can be done unintentionally simply by using a fabric or color that is popular or fashionable at the time of making the film. However hard one might try to be historically accurate, there will always be telltale signs indicating when the film was actually shot. I think it would be impossible to make something look exactly like its original period as we no longer have the same materials or machinery, so everything will look different now anyway. In a way, this is how things can look true to an era yet still look fresh. Were there any challenges you had to overcome for this particular film? CRISTAL: Many OCONNOR: The challenges were to create a believable world in which these characters existed and to make character-specific costumes while overall keeping to a subtle and muted colour palette, also keeping the beauty of the period details without allowing it to dominate. Making Jane simple and plain and keeping her look attractive was something I was always aware of. Trying to make her clothes elegant but not ostentatious. PHILLIPS: Lots of challenges. Both philosophical and logistical. How to re-create and re-imagine this rarified world of the British monarchy, London society, Park Avenue, Sotheby's, and Parisian haute couture on a $15 million independent film budget in Europe! POWELL: The challenges were many, but not insurmountable. The biggest one was dressing the large numbers of extras. Each one had to look as good as a principal as the camera was constantly moving, and so were the crowd. We would never know who would end up in close-up, so we had to be prepared for every eventuality! What will you be wearing at the Oscars? CRISTAL: A dressmaker from Berlin named Lisa Kern and I designed the dress; the rest will be a surprise. :) OCONNOR: I have my own bespoke tux! PHILLIPS: I am having a dress made by a young fashion designer whose work I believe in and who generously offered to design me a dress. His name is Juan Carlos Obando. He is extremely talented and thoughtful about his work. I am super excited. POWELL: A dress! Who is accompanying you to the ceremony? CRISTAL: Anonymous producer Kirstin Winkler and my agent Claire Best. OCONNOR: My partner John. PHILLIPS: My longtime boyfriend and love of my life, Mike Monzingo, and my mom and dad (Dan & Judy Phillips). POWELL: A friend! How are you following this film? What is your next project? CRISTAL: My next film is still a secret. Anonymous is an affair of the heart, and I will follow this film as long as I can. OCONNOR: I am currently working on The Invisible Woman, directed by Ralph Fiennes, a story about the secret love affair between Charles Dickens and an actress, Nelly Ternan. PHILLIPS: I have just started preparing the costumes for Madonna's 2012 world tour. It is a 12-week design process just like a film. POWELL: Im waiting to find out! PREVIOUS VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLES Best Documentary Feature Best Foreign-Language Feature

Parisot seeing 'Red 2'

Dean Parisot is at final discussions to direct ''Red 2,'' the follow-up to Summit's sleeper hit starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren.Parisot, who directed the 1999 cult classic ''Galaxy Mission,'' is putting the best touches around the deal to sequelize the pic that made greater than $90 million domestic following its October 2010 bow.Production on ''Red 2'' may well be a ways off yet, just like a busy Willis has yet to work through his schedule together with others in the ensemble cast are awaiting deals, nevertheless the studio is acquiring within the helmer for what's shaping around be one of the final handful of feature productions released beneath the Summit banner before it combines with Lionsgate. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Oscar Nominations: The Stars React!

First Published: January 24, 2012 2:39 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Brad Pitts Moneyball Oakland Premiere LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Following the news of the nominations for the 84th Annual Academy Awards which will be handed out on February 26 on ABC the stars spoke out about their big Oscar news! This is an extraordinary honor. I am dizzy with joy and caffeine. Considering both films, Moneyball and The Tree of Life, nearly didnt make it to the screen, this is especially sweet. And Id like to thank all the artisans and craftsmen who gave their best to each film. I am especially over the moon for Jonah (and the other Moneyballers acknowledged today), Terry Malick and the tribute this is to Billy Beane and the Oakland As organization. My congratulations to all the nominees pancakes for everyone, Brad Pitt, nominated for Best Actor and as a Producer for Moneyball ***** I am so grateful to be acknowledged by the Academy for my work, which was made possible by the support of our director Simon Curtis and the camaraderie of a terrific ensemble of actors a special congratulations to Kenneth Branagh and the fearless Harvey Weinstein. This role has been the challenge and privilege of a lifetime. I would like to think that the recognition our film has received by the Academy is a testament to Marilyns legacy. Michelle Williams, nominated for Best Actress for My Week with Marilyn ***** Im overjoyed and filled with happiness. I cant believe that a year ago I was learning how to tap dance and today I am nominated for an Academy Award. It was a thrill to work on a project as ambitious as The Artist and I am happy to share this moment with our visionary director, Michel Hazanavicius, Berenice Bejo, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for The Artist ***** It was a rare honor to play Sir Laurence Olivier. To be recognized by the Academy for doing so is overwhelming. Im absolutely thrilled, Kenneth Branagh, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for My Week with Marilyn ***** My sincere thanks to my colleagues at the Academy. It is wonderful. I don¹t know what to say. I am dumbfounded, Max von Sydow nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close ***** I am deeply honored to have been nominated by the Academy for my work on Hugo. Every picture is a challenge, and this one - where I was working with 3-D, HD and Sacha Baron Cohen for the first time - was no exception. Its a wonderful feeling to know that youve been recognized by the people in your industry. I congratulate my fellow nominees. Its an impressive list, and Im in excellent company, Martin Scorsese, nominated for Producer/Director for Hugo Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Johansson, Washington Receive German Acting Honours

BERLIN (AP) U.S. stars Scarlett Johansson and Denzel Washington have obtained Germany's most exclusive film award as well as worldwide stars.The 27-year-old Johansson stated she was grateful that her work was also appreciated abroad as she received the Golden Camera Award late Saturday.Actor Morgan Freeman was granted a trophy for lifetime achievement, that the 74-year-old known as "an excellent recognition," German news agency dapd reported.The 47th ceremony from the Golden Camera Honours occured in the german language posting house Axel Springer's Berlin headquarters.Copyright 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Scarlett Johansson PHOTO CREDIT Robert Marquardt/Getty Images BERLIN (AP) U.S. stars Scarlett Johansson and Denzel Washington have obtained Germany's most exclusive film award as well as worldwide stars.The 27-year-old Johansson stated she was grateful that her work seemed to be appreciated abroad as she received the Golden Camera Award late Saturday.Actor Morgan Freeman was granted a trophy for lifetime achievement, that the 74-year-old known as "an excellent recognition," German news agency dapd reported.The 47th ceremony from the Golden Camera Honours occured in the german language posting house Axel Springer's Berlin headquarters.Copyright 2012 Connected Press. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Courteney Cox and Josh Hopkins Talk Cougar Town's Return

Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Courteney Cox as Jules Raise your Big Carls! The Cougar Town gang finally reconvenes after a way-too-long hiatus, and stars Courteney Cox and Josh Hopkins are opening up about the standout comedy's delayed return, Grayson's season-premiere proposal... and whether a wedding is even in the cards. TV Guide Magazine: You guys are finally back! Cox: Yes!Hopkins: It's been frustrating not knowing when we're going to be on, and not being able to answer fans who keep asking. TV Guide Magazine: Were you aware of how vocal some fans and critics were about this long hiatus? Hopkins: In a time filled with frustration, to see the outpouring of love from critics and fans? That has kept us going day to day. Outrage that we haven't been on TV feels really good. TV Guide Magazine: Coming back on Valentine's Day seems very appropriate. Cox: So true. I think it's a good time. TV Guide Magazine: So where does this marriage proposal come from?Hopkins: In last year's finale, Jules and Grayson were having some problems. He wanted kids in the future, and she wasn't so sure. When we come back, some time has passed and she's agreed to consider it. And that is enough for him. TV Guide Magazine: How does he pop the question?Cox: She's asked at some point what her ideal scenario would be, and she says, "I have no idea"... then proceeds to rattle off everything she's ever wanted in an engagement. [Laughs] It's a really big moment for her because all of her wishes come true. At least Grayson's version of her dreams. TV Guide Magazine: How does Grayson's proposal compare to Chandler's?Hopkins: Chandler?Cox: Oh, yeah, Josh doesn't know what Friends is. [Chandler] was someone I was engaged to before...Hopkins: I don't understand.Cox: I know. But I was on another show where I used to say "I know!" a lot. As for the proposal, I asked Chandler, so that one was really emotional. But this one is sweet and very heartfelt and really creative and fun. TV Guide Magazine: Are these two really ready for marriage?Cox: No. [Laughs]Hopkins: Not at all! These are two pretty big narcissists together. So I don't know if they will ever be. But they are certainly in love. TV Guide Magazine: And they make each other laugh.Cox: They definitely entertain each other. He gets a kick out of her! What I find fascinating is that she isn't jealous at all. She can look at his past and all the women he slept with and see it for what it was. And that is so healthy. Jules is a lot cooler than I would be.Hopkins: Even though a lot of what we do is absurd, we explore this relationship in a very adult way. And a part of it is when you're older, you don't get hung up on the same things you did when you were in your twenties.Cox: Wait, do you know how old I am?Hopkins: 23?Cox: OK, good. [Laughs] Cougar Town returns Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8:30/7:30c on ABC. Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!

Glee Spoiler Pics! Ricky Martin, Rachel's Two Dads, Mercedes' Choice

Heather Morris, Ricky Martin and Harry Shum Jr. There are a few especially exciting fresh faces coming to Glee in the coming weeks, but thankfully you don't have to wait to see them in action. In these first look images from upcoming episodes, "The Spanish Teacher" and "Heart," guest stars Ricky Martin, Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell all make their series debuts. As first rumored in November, Martin will stop by McKinley High as the school's new Spanish teacher and - from the looks of things - possibly New Directions' new dance instructor. The following week, Goldblum and Mitchell, make their first appearances as Rachel's dads. Glee reveals Rachel's dads And hey, who is Mercedes serenading for Valentine's Day? Check out the spoiler-ific photos here. Glee airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.