'Iron' perf proves Streep's mettle

StreepWith her Oscar win for "The Iron Lady," Meryl Streep has joined a decidedly elite club, becoming only the fifth actor to win three Oscars. Katharine Hepburn won four, and Walter Brennan, Ingrid Bergman and Jack Nicholson have three apiece. Streep appeared stunned when her named was called Sunday. Viola Davis had been viewed by many as the likely winner for "The Help." "When I heard my name, I could hear half of America going, 'Oh, no! Not again! Her!' But whatever!" Streep said from the stage. Strep thanked her longtime makeup artist J. Roy Helland, who won the makeup Oscar with Mark Coulier for "The Iron Lady," and then got a large laugh by saying, "I'm never going to be up here again!" Streep received her first Oscar nom for "The Deer Hunter" and won her first Oscar a year later for "Kramer vs. Kramer." She was nominated in 1981 for "The French Lieutenant's Woman," then won the next year for "Sophie's Choice." Streep then racked up a dozen more nominations over the next three decades without winning before taking the trophy Sunday for her portrayal of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," both as a retiree beset by senility and as formidable politician who peaked with the 1982 Falklands war against Argentina. The 17 Oscar nods for Streep, 62, are the most any performer has been nominated by the Academy, including "Silkwood," "Out of Africa," "A Cry in the Dark," "The Bridges of Madison County," "Adaptation," "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Devil Wears Prada." She received her 16th nom in 2009 for "Julie & Julia." Besides Davis, Streep bested Glenn Close for "Albert Nobbs," Rooney Mara for "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" and Michelle Williams for "My Week With Marilyn." Streep had won her eighth Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award earlier. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com

Jason Bateman and Wife Welcome Second Daughter

The autumn TV months are materializing. Systems have purchased a large number of new aircraft pilots starring familiar faces including Zachary Levi, Mindy Kaling, Mandy Moore and Sarah Silverman, and from proven producers like Josh Schwartz, J.J. Abrams, Greg Berlanti and Kevin Williamson. Also creating a comeback this season: Legendary figures including Eco-friendly Arrow, Barbara Bradshaw, A Virtual Detective and sweetness and also the Animal. To keep an eye on who's doing what, read our complete list of all of the series projects in contention and appearance back for updates on their own status. Listed here are the NBC aircraft pilots: (Get more information at ABC, CBS, CW and Fox.) Find Out More > Other Links From TVGuide.com Andrea ParkerFrances ConroyJames MurrayMandy MooreSarah SilvermanKevin WilliamsonGreg BerlantiJud TaylorMegalyn EchikunwokeZachary LeviJ.J. AbramsJohn WellsJosh SchwartzMadisen BeatyShamelessAmerican Horror StoryMADtvNancy PimentalMichael McDonaldMindy KalingPatrick Heusinger

Nominees to find the best animated film

"The Kitty in Paris"Why it'll win: Directed by Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, this charming French mystery thriller starring a simple-fingered cat, somewhat girl as well as the photogenic back pathways and roofs of Paris might be another surprise wildcard inside the nominations. Specific squarely at kids, the 2D toon notifies the story of seven-year-old Zoe who discovers that her cat is moonlighting since the real factor -- the kitty crook who helps a close crook steal within the wealthy. Which is Oscar chances got a good start due to its Annie and European Film Award noms.Not: Despite the fact that animation is rather as well as the jazzy score effective, rapid feature (only 65 minutes) ultimately feels somewhat lightweight for grownups. And A Pair Of cat-centric films may be one lots of for Oscar voters -- especially fans of "Tintin"'s Snowy who's lately been started the podium having a lizard together with a panda."Chico & Rita"Why it'll win: Every year that's snubbed some high-profile projects -- including "Cars 2" (which causes it to be the initial Pixar film to not be nommed since the category was created 10 years ago), "The Adventures of Tintin," "Rio," "Arthur Christmas" and "Happy Foot 2," the The the spanish language language film "Chico & Rita" is among two little photos that could to produce the cut. And you can realise why the champion in the European Film Award outshine a couple of from the large boys. Co-directed by Fernando Trueba (whose "Belle Epoque" needed the 1993 foreign-lingo prize), designer Javier Mariscal and Tono Errando, the small-budget ($13 million) but ambitious film for grownups notifies popular story of love, passion and heartbreak occur the jazz cell phone industry's of Cuba, NY, Paris and Vegas across several decades, which is really the only nom starring people rather than animals.Not: Even though it showcases classic hands-attracted 2D animation, in addition to features infectious music (and animated cameos) by such jazz best as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Cole Porter, Dizzy Gillespie, Woodsy Herman, Tito Puente and Chano Pozo, it may be too retro due to its very own good."Kung Fu Panda 2"Why it'll win: The only real follow-up among the bunch, the boisterous CG comedy offers a great deal opting for this: a superb, worldwide voice-gloomy including Jennifer Aniston, current Oscar nom Gary Oldman and Jack Black, which is lively story, colorful animation and celebration of Chinese culture and art aided transform it into a critical and global hit (it attracted in over $653 million, which $500 million was worldwide). It absolutely was the first DreamWorks Animation feature directed having a lady -- Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who graduated from such projects as "Madagascar" and "Spirit: Stallion in the Cimarron." Which might resonate with a lot of voters.Not: Harder-hearted voters may resent the every so often heavy-handed, self-help book approach to abandonment issues, repressed recollections as well as the energy of tears to heal."Puss in Boots"Why it'll win: Directed by "Shrek 3's" Chris Burns by getting an correctly light and charming touch, executive produced by Guillermo del Toro, and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the CG 3d family-friendly feline feature, which once again stars Antonio Banderas (within the eighth performance as Puss), did remarkably well, both considerably at el born area office. Occur a golden, romanticized version of old The nation, the visually captivating prequel for the "Shrek" films totalled up as much as fifty percent a billion dollars worldwide and was nominated for animated film by such bellwethers since the Globes, the Annie Honours, the PGA as well as the BFCA. And effective voice-over work from Puss sidekicks Salma Hayek as Cat Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty, additionally to Bill Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris since the murderous villains Jack and Jill, adds to the luster.Not: Voters can experience the tabby tale is just too fluffy. Too as with a time of outsourcing-backlash, the fact "Puss in Boots" was partly animated in India may not sit well."Rango"Why it'll win: With "The Adventures of Tintin" in the running, the initial animation film for "Pirates in the Caribbean" veteran Gore Verbinski and industry VFX giant ILM looks more effective than in the past. Vital pic acquired globally glowing reviews (an 88% on Rotten Tomato vegetables) and charmed auds for the tune more than $242 million worldwide, which causes it to be the 18th finest-grossing film of year. Which is victory within the BFCA honours -- a reliable predictor of Oscar gold, plus a rack of crix wins is only able to help its chances. Aesthetically, furthermore, it marks an absolute change of pace within the usual toon options. Instead of cute, warm and fuzzy figures and corny jokes, this subversive Western starred a delusional bug-eyed chameleon antihero and went for offbeat humor, awesome sight-gags together with a photograph-real scuffed look that deliberately blurred the street between animation and live action.Not: Despite critical kudos and impressive BO, its lizardy hero, unconventional attitude and funky outdoors-the-box visual approach may well be a little a lot of for play-it-safe Oscar voters.EYE Round The Oscars: BEST PICTURE NOMINEESBest Picture Director Animated Film Documentary Language Film Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Jim Beaver States Goodbye to Supernatural

Jim Beaver Supernatural's beloved Bobby Singer died last Friday, due to a bullet inside the brain in the shape-shifting Leviathan. Veteran actor Jim Beaver, who carried out the crotchety mentor to demon hunting brothers and sisters Mike and Dean Winchester round the CW series, spoken to TV Guide Magazine about Bobby's shocking demise, his last days round the set and also the approaching role on Justified.TV Guide Magazine: I'm in Bobby Singer mourning. When perhaps you have uncover Bobby might be destroyed off?Jim Beaver: Soon after shooting episode 6, I used to be home in L.A. but got the telephone call that no actor desires to get where the assistant states, "I have both your executive producers in danger.In . They mentioned, "We've got not so great, but it's much less shabby.Inch They described whatever they made the decision additionally they described the send off episode could be incredible personally. Really, one of the professionals mentioned, "Should you weren't round the CW, you'd win an Emmy." It absolutely was some déjà vu because I'd something much the same happen on Deadwood, in which a professional producer attracted me aside and mentioned, "We will probably shoot you inside the mind." I didn't even get shot around the different side in the mind. [Laughs] Virtually the identical entrance wound. Whenever I begin working any further, I'll placed on a bandage there and then we can skip towards the bullet wound.TV Guide Magazine: Why you think executive producers Sera Gamble and Eric Kripke made a decision to kill Bobby?Beaver: I have exactly the same response to this after i required to Deadwood: I don't appreciate it, but considerably it's absolutely the very best step to complete. In shows, my character's demise will be a catalyst legitimate dramatic changes inside the show. Just like a author myself I realize how important it's to provide everyone else with this particular, whether they appreciate it or else. Drama is about conflict which is about putting obstacles inside the path of people you who be worried about. Although I'll miss it, I am unable to argue the dramatics from this.Tv Guide Magazine: You're so nice about being destroyed off. Can you like the way Bobby went? The tenth episode, December's "Death's Door," the primary one before we understood he'd died, was both moving and action-filled.Beaver: For just about any guest actor - that people always was around the program - to acquire a chapter like that's just amazing. However had two Bobby-centric episodes that have been nearly the prettiest things I've ever done. I used to be really happy with whatever they provided. Once I switched the script's page which i saw that Bobby's last word [to Mike and Dean] was "Idjits," I believed, "Guy, situation perfect." I used to be really, really impressed while using script and everything we have reached complete. It absolutely was very complex, and a lot of fun to shoot. I used to be really happy to access use Barbara Anne Fleming, who carried out Bobby's wife, again. The only real downside was that lots of of my active stuff wasn't with Jared and Jensen. Once I was together I used to be mostly in the hospital bed mattress, getting my toes twisted by Jared off camera. That's always what continues after i am in the hospital bed mattress on that relate.Tv Guide Magazine: Exactly what are your recollections from the last day on set?Beaver: It absolutely was the next to last day because Jared and Jensen weren't really round the set other family people .. They deomonstrate referred to as a security meeting, they perform a handful of occasions a season. The entire cast and crew within the top lower for the drivers and production assistants exist. I understood something was up when Jared and Jensen are there - they're never already there before me. Instead of playing this safety video, they carried out videos tribute to everything I'd done around the program. I used to be pretty verklempt. It absolutely was very touching. I mentioned, "I realize so what now they will probably play within my funeral." It absolutely was a stylish moment. Going to the conclusion in the show, knowing I'd be saying goodbye to individuals cast and crew I like like family along with the pretty emotional stuff i had been shooting tomorrow. I'd have grown to be something during my attention.TV Guide Magazine: How were Jared and Jensen? Beaver: They were terrific. They continued to be around after they were off attempt to with this particular. I'm deeply in love with them. Considering there's some a period distinction between us, I didn't expect this kind of connection, however feel so terribly good regarding the subject adding for you to get the chance for their services these seven seasons. They've been very gracious in my opinion even when I didn't always deserve it. They're terrific stars too.TV Guide Magazine: Will you still watch?Beaver: No, I'm this really is this is not on it any more. [Laughs] I guess so. I obtained to uncover who drank that beer after Bobby died.TV Guide Magazine: Do i think the we eventually see Ghost Bobby?Beaver: I am unsure! The switch side of having that little video tribute is it's type of added some finality in it.Tv Guide Magazine: You've some very fervent fans. What's their reaction to Bobby's dying?Beaver: I understood it might be a bit of the hurricane using the number of fans. A Few Things I wasn't really expecting was the response I obtained personally after this past week's episode. I'd figured that everyone recognized, in episode 10, that whenever you flatline, you flatline. Apparently, it was not until episode 11 when Mike and Dean were proven days later and Bobby was clearly dead it sank in with numerous fans. I obtained plenty of response from people. More than expected.TV Guide Magazine: Is it sad, angry, appreciative?Beaver: A combination of everything. It's kind of flattering the handful of people mentioned "I'm not watching the show any more.Inch I'm the one which doesn't have the salary which i've not quit hope, to ensure that they actually shouldn't. People seem to become coping with it like they lost somebody inherited. That's incredibly touching.TV Guide Magazine: So what's along with your return to Justified?Beaver: The timing couldn't are actually better. Accustomed to perform a chapter of Justified last season they wanted to improve, however schedule conflicted with Supernatural. They referred to as recently and mentioned they'd a really nice arc for a similar character, Shelby, who was simply the security guy within the mine that Boyd Crowder [Walton Goggins] was trying to make the most of. He's a personality who's just a little beaten lower around. Following a robbery Shelby was fired and Boyd presents him getting a considerably different employment chance. [Laughs] I come in episode 7, which i would be on most of the relaxation of the year.Tv Guide Magazine: You must do understand that concentrating on Justified frequently eventually eventually ends up getting a bullet inside the mind?Beaver: Nowadays I take that without any consideration.Indication as much as TV Guide Magazine now!

Beware the false intimacy of social media

Some critics reacted personally to the finale of The Killing. In a recent study, the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future observed that many modern blessings come at a price in "extraordinary demands on our time, major concerns about privacy and vital questions about the proliferation of technology -- including a range of issues that didn't exist 10 years ago," as director Jeffrey Cole summarized it.Among the many side effects is a perceptible shift creeping into the relationship between entertainment press and their subjects, which seems worth discussing heading into another TV Critics Assn. tour, which, in the parlance of the day, throws Tweet-ers together with Tweet-ees.Social media remains new enough to receive credit and blame for lots of things -- good and bad -- that are frequently overblown. Indeed, as new research from Knowledge Networks noted, evidence of social media's ability to enhance "interest, viewership and loyalty for TV programs" has been "decidedly mixed," suggesting all those elaborate schemes to sell shows via Twitter and Facebook are likely premature.On another front, though, it's clear social media has eroded boundaries that once separated journalists from their sources and subject matter -- helping foster a false sense of familiarity that, if you listen carefully during press junkets and conference calls, has oozed its way into the dialogue.Of course, this implied intimacy and chumminess can be terrific for anyone marketing a product -- including TV series, movies or the actual talent themselves -- where forging such bonds potentially strengthens a connection with consumers. It is, however, a lousy development for journalists, who -- even if they're in the opinion business -- derive a good measure of their credibility from the perspective that ideally comes with distance and objectivity, or at least the appearance of not having a dog in the fight.The very nature of social media encourages and facilitates breaking down those walls -- they don't call it "coolly detached" media, after all -- just as the brevity of a forum like Twitter tends to strip nuance from conversation. With so many voices clamoring to get noticed, things tend to get exaggerated -- transforming mere preferences into powerful likes and dislikes, and inflating the latter into rhetorical love-hate relationships.Perhaps that's why it's so easy to wince now listening to journalists preface questions by telling an actor or filmmaker how much they love their work, or blatantly gushing in some other manner. Privately at an HBO party, fine, let that inner fanboy fly. In a room filled with colleagues, it's embarrassing. To borrow an image from (very) old movies, try keeping one foot on the floor.With that in mind, here are five rules of engagement meant to help guide reporters through this maze, realizing that while most know better, some obviously don't. So please, don't.Begin a question with a fawning, complimentary preamble longer than the movie or pilot which brought said journalist and talent together in the first place.Confuse the actor with their character, or refer to their fictional alter ego -- even in a Tweet -- as if it's a real person. Not only does it make you sound like a pre-teenage girl, but it's actually insulting to the performer, whose job is to pretend being someone they're not.Get too cute in seeking to entertain. You're ostensibly there seeking information to convey, not on stage at the Laugh Factory auditioning for a spot on Letterman.Ask actors what they'd like to see happen with their characters or how said persona would behave in a given situation. If you're credentialed to attend TCA (admittedly, not the highest bar), at a minimum you ought to understand the division of labor between actors and writers-producers.Sound like a petulant, jilted lover if you don't approve of how a series closed its season. Remember, you just write about TV shows; you're not actually dating them."We find tremendous benefits in online technology, but we also pay a personal price for those benefits," Cole said in the Annenberg report. "The question is: How high a price are we willing to pay?"Journalism has already paid heavy tolls, economically and qualitatively, as admittance to the information age. But with a dollop of restraint, dignity and self-respect don't have to be among the casualties. Contact Brian Lowry at brian.lowry@variety.com

Academy Tech Council adds members

Denny Clairmont, John Hora, Bob Lambert and Milt Shefter have accepted invitations to join the Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, bringing the Council's 2011-2012 membership roster to 24. Motion picture technologist Clairmont co-founded Clairmont Camera, a camera rental company that has grown into one of the world's largest. In 2010 he received the John A. Bonner Medal of Commendation for "outstanding service and dedication in upholding the high standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences." A member of the Academy's Scientific and Technical Awards Committee since 1993, Clairmont also has served for several years on numerous subcommittees. He's been an Academy member since 2002. Hora, a cinematographer, has shot "Honey I Blew Up the Kid," "Gremlins" and "Twilight Zone: The Movie," among other films. He's been a member of the Academy's Cinematographers Branch since 1986. As a senior executive of The Walt Disney Company for more than 20 years, Lambert has been a leader in the transition to digital technologies in film, television, gaming, social and emerging media. He initiated Disney's collaboration with Pixar and oversaw the development of new digital production processes such as the CAPS system for feature animation, which was recognized with a Scientific and Engineering Award in 1991. Lambert has been an Academy member since 1999.Shefter, a film preservationist and president of Miljoy Enterprises, is best known for the creation, design and management of the Paramount Pictures Asset Protection Program, including construction of state-of-the-art archival facilities worldwide. He was the project lead for the Academy reports "The Digital Dilemma" and the upcoming "Digital Dilemma 2." He has been an Academy member since 1989.The 2011-2012 Council co-chairs are Academy governor Bill Kroyer (Short Films and Feature Animation branch) and George Joblove, a digital media executive and consultant. The Council's other 18 members are: Peter W. Anderson, Lisa Zeno Churgin, Elizabeth Cohen, Jonathan Erland, David W. Gray, Douglas Greenfield, Jim Houston, Rob Hummel, Brad Hunt, David Inglish, Randal Kleiser, Tad Marburg, Daryn Okada, Rick Sayre, Garrett Smith and Academy governors Craig Barron, Richard Edlund and Don Hall.Established in 2003 by the Academy's Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information, promotes cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry, sponsors publications, fosters educational activities and preserves the history of science and technology of motion pictures. Contact Peter Caranicas at peter.caranicas@variety.com

'Boots' tops o'seas B.O.

Vital-DreamWorks Animation's "Puss in Boots" clawed its method to the top 12 ,. 9-11 overseas frame, by having an animated $47.a million weekend gross, slicing up previous four-week champion, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning -- Part 1," which published $19.3 million (for any cume of $381.a million)."Puss," which in fact had a hostile 17-territory expansion, has made $143.7 million from the total 40 worldwide marketplaces to date.Componen made a decision to unveil "Puss" gradually, getting first released the film day-and-date using the U.S. in Russia the weekend of March. 28, then merely a couple of additional major marketplaces, including The country, France and Mexico. One of the toon's greatest contributing factors last week, Germany published $7.two million on 680 screens -- roughly 6% in front of the local bow of 2011's greatest-grossing toon, "Kung Fu Panda 2."In South america, "Puss" made $5.9 million, with Australia and also the U.K. also adding solid debut perfs of $4 million and $3.a million, correspondingly.The approaching holiday period often means B.O. gold both locally and abroad, specifically for family-skewing films with kids on holiday.What is more, there's very little else worldwide to compete to see relatives auds. Fox is staggering its overseas discharge of "Alvin and also the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked," while "The Adventures of Tintin" will will be in play for pretty much two several weeks through the Christmas break.However, Sony's "Arthur Christmas" is constantly on the vie for holiday moviegoers.Last week, that film arrived in third place overall, with $15.a million from 63 marketplaces. "Arthur Christmas" has collected $58.six million worldwide, but only has a couple of major marketplaces yet to visit, with Italia opening the pic 12 ,. 23. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com