Christopher Plummer Stokes Flames of Beginners Beef with Uggie: 'Our Dog Had Soul'

Backstage at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Christopher Plummer (who vies for the Oscar tomorrow) celebrated his Best Supporting Actor win for Beginners and gleefully stoked the fires of a pup vs. pup beef between his own co-star in the film, Cosmo, and The Artist's award season favorite Uggie. "We had a little private talk," he explained of scene-stealer Cosmo. "Now that you mention it, I think our Cosmo was much more human than Uggie. Uggie was just a trickster. Our dog had soul." Fighting words!

'The Artist' wins best picture at Cesar honours

'The Artist' taken the primary honours at France's Cesar Honours, including best picture.PARIS-- Michel Hazanavicius' B&W quiet homage to Hollywood's Golden Age, "The Artist" won top kudos Friday evening within the 37th Cesar honours, including film, director for Michel Hazanavicius, thesp for Berenice Bejo, production design (Laurence Bennett), cinematography (Guillaume Schiffman), music (Ludovic Bource).Bejo, who formerly acquired just beginning out jerk in Gerard Jugnot's comedy "Most Promising Youthful Actress," outshine strong competitors, particularly Karin Viard and Marina Fois, who toplined in Maiwenn's daring police ensembler "Polisse."Since bowing at Cannes, "The Artist" has had major honours on sides in the Atlantic, particularly three Golden Globes, seven BAFTA's, one Goya which is fighting for 10 Oscars on Sunday.But "The Artist" didn't have it its way at France's top film honours. Underscoring the truly amazing health of Gallic cinema and also the standard in the competitors, the Cesar kudos spread wider than at previous models.French comic Omar Sy won over "The Artist" star Jean Dujardin inside the actor category for his performance just like a crazy caretaker within the projects in Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano's hit buddy dramedy "Untouchables."Pierre Schoeller's dense political drama "The Minister" won supporting actor for Michel Blanc, original script for Schoeller and appear editing. Blanc was formerly nominated seven occasions."The Minister" opened up up at Cannes' Not Sure Regard and nabbed the Fipresci jerk."Polisse," which was nomed for just about any record 13 Cesar honours, needed home two nods: female newcomer Naidra Ayadi and editing (Laure Gardette, Yann Dedet). Ayadi shared the newcomer prize with Clotilde Hesme on her behalf performance in Alix Delaporte's feature debut "Angele and Tony," which won male newcomer for Gregory Gadebois.Roman Polanski and Yasmina Reza won modified script for "Carnage" which is founded on Reza's acclaimed play.The the spanish language language thesp Carmen Maura who carried out the maid inside the sixties-set comedy "Service Entrance," needed supporting actress.Christian Rouaud's "Leadersheep" needed the docu award. It explores a regular farming community fighting the government's plan to build an military training camping inside their region.Joann Sfar and Antoine Delesvaux's "The Rabbi's Cat" needed the animation jerk. Sfar won last year's Cesar on her behalf feature debut, "Gainsbourg."Sylvain Estibal's "When Pigs Have Wings" needed the initial film jerk. Produced by Marylin Prods, "Wings" bowed at Tokyo, japan, japan. The Gaza-set dramedy triggers a broke Palestinian fisherman.Brit thesp Kate Winslet was available to obtain a honorary Cesar award at the disposal of helmer Michel Gondry, who directed her in "The Eternal Sunshine in the Spotless Mind." Winslet follows those things from the platoon of Celebs, particularly Quentin Tarantino, Dustin Hoffman and may Cruz, who had been honored with the French academy of Arts and Sciences formerly 10 years.InchThis French recognition makes me believe that i'm part of an worldwide film community through which many of us achieve play in," mentioned Winslet in their acceptance speech. "Thx to Michel Gondry who was simply my review of French filmmaking."Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi's "A Separation" won foreign pic. The Gallic box office sleeper hit outshine Darren Aronofsky's "Black Swan," Tom Hopper's "The King's Speech" and Lars Von Trier's "Melancholia," among others.A whole list follows:FILM "The Artist," Michel HazanaviciusDIRECTORMichel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"ACTOROmar Sy, "Intouchables"ACTRESSBerenice Bejo, "The Artist"SUPPORTING ACTORMichel Blanc, "The Minister"SUPPORTING ACTRESSCarmen Maura, "Service Entrance"NEWCOMER, ACTORGregory Gadebois, "Angele et Tony"NEWCOMER, ACTRESSNaidra Ayadi, "Polisse"Clotilde Hesme, "Angele et Tony"FIRST FILMSylvain Estibal, "When Pigs Have Wings"ORIGINAL SCREENPLAYPierre Schoeller, "The Minister"Modified SCREENPLAYYasmina Reza, Roman Polanski, "Carnage"FOREIGN FILM"A Separation," Asghar FarhadiCINEMATOGRAPHYGuillaume Schiffman, "The Artist"ANIMATED FILM"The Rabbi's Cat," Joann Sfar, Antoine DelesvauxDOCUMENTARY FEATURE"Tous au Larzac," Christian RouaudMUSICLudovic Bource, "The Artist" Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

'Star Trek 2' Set Photos Show Benedict Cumberbatch Battling Spock

"Star Trek 2" is shrouded in secrecy. We don't have an official title, we don't know the plot, and we don't know who Benedict Cumberbatch is playing though all signs point to a villain, especially in light of a new set photo that's just arrived at our door step. In this first look at director J.J. Abrams' currently shooting "Star Trek" sequel, we see quite clearly that Zachary Quinto's returning Spock and the newcomer played by Cumberbatch are very much not friends. The two are locked in battle on top of what's being described as "a Space Barge set." During the battle and in the photo you can see here, Spock does his best to stop his foe using his famous Vulcan Death Grip, but the move fails; Cumberbatch's character is able to overpower the grip and regain the upper hand in his struggle against the Star Fleet officer. Interestingly, Spock is not the only one wearing a Star Fleet uniform. Cumberbatch's unknown character is seen wearing a black version of the uniform under his silver overcoat. A sign that this man was a friend before he was a foe? In another shot from the epic battle, Zoe Saldana joins the fight once again as Uhura. She's using a phaser to save Spock from Cumberbatch's villain, though whether or not she'll be successful is a completely different story altogether. Thanks to Eric Ford with On Location News for the awesome new photos! What do you think of the first "Star Trek" set photos? Who do you think Cumberbatch is playing? Tell us in the comments section or hit us up on Twitter!

'Friday Evening Lights' Actor Kyle Chandler Tracks Bin Laden, Two More Feel Michael Bay's 'Pain'

Michael Fassbender is applying his newly found fame to build up a movie a good Irish legend near to his heart. Meanwhile, Take advantage of Corddry joins Michael Bay's "Discomfort and Gain," Nonso Anozie will have "Ender's Game" and Kyle Chandler may be the latest to search Osama Bin Laden with Kathryn Bigelow. It's Feb 21, which is present day casting call. Michael Fassbender Plans Movie About Cuchulainn Despite his recent Oscar snub, Michael Fassbender is among the greatest stars to blow on the Hollywood scene this season. That's likely why he's benefiting from that recognition to build up a task for themself. Variety is confirming that Fassbender and "Public Opponents" scribe Ronan Bennett are focusing on a film concerning the Irish myth Cuchulainn. Two More To Michael Bay's "Discomfort And Gain"? Variety has got the news that funnyman Take advantage of Corddry may be the latest actor to become listed on Michael Bay's next project, "Discomfort and Gain." He'll be joining Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Manley and Erectile dysfunction Harris within the film. Corddry will have John Mese, an old competitive bodybuilder who's Wahlberg's boss in a gym. Meanwhile, Latino Review is confirming that John Turturro can also be in foretells join the flick. Nonso Anozie Plays "Ender's Game" Three more stars have became a member of the cast of "Ender's Game." Deadline is confirming that "The Gray" star Nonso Anozie will have Sergeant Dap. Additionally, Stevie Ray Dallimore will have Ender's father and Andrea Powell will have his mother. The film is placed hitting theaters on March 15, 2013. Kyle Chandler Will Search Bin Laden "Friday Evening Lights" star Kyle Chandler may be the latest actor to become listed on Kathryn Bigelow's untitled movie concerning the search to locate Osama Bin Laden. Deadline reviews he joins a cast which includes Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Edgar Ramirez and Mark Strong. The flick is because of hit theaters on December 19. Jim Caviezel Joins "The Tomb" "The Tomb" just acquired another major player. Producer Mark Canton told The Matthew Aaron Show (via Collider) that Jim Caviezel has became a member of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone within the film. Apparently Caviezel will have the warden in the prison the action duo avoid, and will also be the antagonist from the film. In Casting Call, the MTV Movies team gathers the day's greatest casting news while offering it your decision on the silver platter. If you are searching to determine what movie your preferred actor has reserved next, your search is over. Inform us what you believe within the comments section as well as on Twitter!

Rupert Murdochs Sunday Sun To Launch Next Week

The News Corp boss will stay in London to oversee the launch of a Sunday edition of The Sun next week. That’s the replacement for the corporation’s previous Sunday tabloid, News Of The World, which was shuttered in July after it became the focal point of what is now a wide-ranging phone-hacking scandal. In an email to Sun staff Sunday, Tom Mockridge, the CEO of News Corp’s UK newspaper division News International, said “every one of us will seize the opportunity to pull together and deliver a great new dawn” for the newspaper. The news comes after Murdoch flew to London on Friday to meetwith Sun employees and play peacemaker after eight journalists were arrested for allegedly bribing police officials.Sun staffers were prepared to revolt after learning that News Corp had provided police with evidence that led to the arrests. Murdoch lifted the suspensions of the journalists, said News Corp would cover their legal expenses and announced the launch “soon” of a Sunday edition. Said Mockridge in today’s email:”The commitment of News Corporation to invest in a new edition is the strongest possible message of support we could wish for.”

The Simpsons Get Exiled From Springfield in Their 500th Episode

The Muppets may not be performing at the Oscars or hosting, but we're getting the next best thing: Kermit and Miss Piggy will present.This will mark ... Read More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Norma RaeBilly CrystalBradley CooperCameron DiazChris RockHalle BerryTom CruiseKermit the FrogMiss PiggyJohnny CarsonThe Muppets84th Academy AwardsThe Muppets

Arts gains a little in Obama budget

Leader Obama's suggested plan for fiscal 2013 provides a slight increase to government arts funding and keeps the amount of federal support to public broadcasting. Your budget plan, revealed Monday, includes more income towards the Department of Justice's anti-piracy efforts, a lift of $5 million to $40 million. An identical boost was suggested this past year but ultmately dropped within the wrangling over investing cuts. Obama has suggested $154 million for that National Endowment for that Arts, up from $146 million this year. The figure features a $6.7 million rise in grants or loans, with $2.7 million likely to condition arts organizations and $4 million to nonprofits organizations across the nation. The figure includes $3 million for that expenses that'll be incurred once the NEA moves in the Old Publish Business Building, slated for restoration. The company also stated that it'll cut administrative and program support expenses by $1.5 million. An identical rise in the annual budget was suggested for that NEA's sister org, the nation's Endowment for that Humanities. Following a bruising budget fight this past year over funding for public broadcasting, Obama's budget maintains funding for that Corporation for Public Broadcasting at $445 million. The figure really is perfect for fiscal year 2015, because the CPB experiences an "advanced appropriation" cycle to do something like a type of firewall to avoid funding from being cut immediately as a means of impacting on content. Patricia Harrison, leader and Boss of CPB, stated the request "reaffirms that federal funding for public media is a crucial investment, one which is constantly on the deliver proven value and repair to the country." Patrick Butler, the leader and Boss from the Assn. for Public Television Stations, also expressed satisfaction in the request, but noted the budget proposes bringing together teaching programs of Prepared to Learn, targeted at building the reading through abilities of kids between 2 and 8. Younger crowd stated these were "disappointed" with a suggested removal of a course to make sure that rural towns get access to public TV following a digital TV conversion. "Public television didn't expect immunity in the budget curts that were needed over the government, and also the overall federal purchase of public television continues to be reduced by a lot more than 10% previously 2 yrs,Inch Butler stated. Obama's budget includes the FCC's request of $346.8 million, lower slightly in the amount it searched for for 2012. The FCC outlay includes money to accelerate the adoption of broadband across the nation. And also the FCC's plan also proposes spectrum costs, as a way of nudging license holders to stop their unused spectrum and set it up for auction, on the face to satisfy the interest in wireless services. Even though FCC states the plan would raise $4.8 billion within the next decade, past plans haven't become anywhere on Capitol Hill. Contact Ted Manley at ted.manley@variety.com

Frederick Gordon-Levitt Will Direct His First Film This Season

Frederick Gordon-Levitt includes a monumental 2012 before him. He's set to star in a few of the year's greatest films, including "The Dark Dark night Increases," Spielberg's "Lincoln subsequently," the sci-fi thriller "Looper" and Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." That is not even counting his bike messenger starring vehicle, "Premium Hurry." However, you can include a directorial debut to JGL's planned listing of 2012 achievements. This season, Gordon-Levitt will helm his first movie, a comedy he authored themself. He'll also pull star duty because the film's lead, a "modern-day Don Juan" who attempts to change his womanizing ways. Scarlett Johansson will co-star, along a yet-to-be-cast second female lead. Gordon-Levitt stated the role is a that could surprise the fans that know his previous work. "I authored myself a helluva role, one which people wouldnt always considered me for," he stated. The actor opened up as much as Deadline about his directorial debut, something he's desired to do for a long time. "I had been a young child actor for a long time and quit at 19, visited school some time, along with a large a part of why I returned was which i ultimately desired to make movies," he stated. Gordon-Levitt gave credit towards the listing of exclusive company directors he's labored with among the large reasons he feels ready to get this done. "I spent annually dealing with Ann Hathaway, Rian Manley, Steven Spielberg, and that i did my better to give consideration," he stated. "I have been making short films for any very long time now, I have directed a lot of them, which has become a a part of why Personally i think confident within this.Inch The author/director/actor duty will come at a price to Gordon-Levitt, though. Peak time-table associated with pointing and starring inside a film can often mean no "Django Unchained" for that actor. "It will likely be tricky schedule-smart, however i was honest with Quentin upfront," he stated. Are you currently excited to determine Frederick Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut? Tell us within the comments below as well as on Twitter!

Summit sets 'I, Alex Cross' for October

Summit Entertainment has set an Oct. 26 domestic launch for "I, Alex Cross," starring Tyler Perry with Rob Cohen directing. QED International's reboot of James Patterson's iconic character is an origin tale of the detective/psychologist made famous by Morgan Freeman in "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider." Matthew Fox and Ed Burns are also starring. "Alex Cross" will open against The Weinstein Co.'s "Halloween 3D" and Fox's surf pic "Of Men and Mavericks," starring Gerard Butler. Lionsgate bought Summit last month but has said Summit will continue to operate as a brand within the company. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Humane Society sets pic, doc, TV noms

The Humane Society from the U.S. has introduced "Dolphin Tale," "Rio," "Rise from the Planet from the Apes" and "War Equine" because the feature film nominees because of its 26th Genesis Award. The HSUS jerk honors various media in 19 groups for his or her search for animal protection issues. Photos nommed within the feature documentary category are "Born to become Wild three dimensional," "Buck" and "One Lucky Elephant." For TV, "The Cleveland Show," "The Colbert Report" and "Melissa & Joey" are nommed for that Sid Caesar Comedy Award while "The Glades" and "Hawaii Five-" are nommed within the dramatic skeins category. Sue Blackmore from the HSUS Hollywood office anticipated one likely question on kudos-watchers' minds concerning the film noms: She noted that although Uggie your dog performed a prominent and memorable role in "The Artist," the pic doesn't clearly address animal protection styles and therefore didn't result in the org's candidate. "DwtsInch judge Barbara Ann Inaba will host the org's honours gala ceremony in the Beverly Hilton on March 24. Event may also be broadcast like a one-hour special on Animal Planet in May. For more information, such as the complete listing of nominees, visit world wide web.humanesociety.org. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Universal, Fandango team on promo

Art galleries aren't simply while using Super Bowl to unveil trailers for approaching tentpoles. Exceeding 100 million sightseeing the big game each year, the majors are wanting to promote tickets to people photos, too. Universal Pictures and Fandango have paired around provide a tag pointing audiences in the "Battleship" spot to Fandango's mobile programs as well as the company's microsite for Hasbro's boardgame-based actioner clients can sign onto obtain a FanAlert email notifying them when "Battleship" showtimes and tickets are available in their area. Film sails into theaters in May. Promo, having a 15-second Fandango place that will also air throughout NBC's Super Bowl pre-show, can provide away five years' cost of free movie tickets. Ad will alert audiences that "a battle is coming initially from,Inch tease the "Battleship" trailer that will air throughout the sport. Online, Fandango may even promote the "Battleship" promo towards the Facebook fans. Campaign marks the first time Fandango has became a member of getting a studio inside an on-air trailer spot to directly boost advance ticket sales, mentioned Ron Butler, professional V . p . and gm of Fandango. "We anticipate supporting our studio partners with on-air FanAlert marketing options for approaching films afterwards.Inch NBC is charging entrepreneurs around $4 million for each 30-second ad through the Super Bowl. By joining track of Fandango, U finds a means to find more appeal due to its pricey ad buy. "It becomes an innovative collaboration that can bring together the nation's leading moviegoer destination, Universal's epic film as well as the energy in the Super Bowl," mentioned Nick Lehman, leader of digital for NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Systems and Integrated Media, including Fandango. "We are breaking new ground for effective movie marketing. By getting an immediate 'call to action' hooking up on-air movie promotion to achieve success ticket sales, Fandango will probably be instrumental in building enthusiasm among fans and aiding to fill theaters with passionate moviegoers." Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com

"Smash" helmer to direct NBC drama pilot

As "Smash" readies due to its premiere inside a couple of days, NBC has attracted on helmer Michael Mayer to direct another Peacock pilot, "Don' Harm." The Jekyll and Hyde-designed drama involves a great neurosurgeon who wresles along with his dangerous alter-ego. David Schulner composed the pilot and professional producers with Rachel Kaplan and Peter Traugott for Universal TV. Mayer will be the co-professional producer. Mayer makes his mark on Broadway lately after helming tuners "Spring Awakening" and "American Idiot." NBC's tuner-drama "Smash" marked his first TV pilot. He most recently helmed the main Stem revival of "Around the Apparent Day You Will See Forever" with Harry Connick Junior. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com