"THE ARTIST" SWEEPS THE 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS

Meryl Streep at the 84th Academy Awards

Winning the coveted Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards as predicted, was Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist, which after sweeping many major precursor ceremonies leading up to the Oscars, was the favourite to win tonight. To date, the Film has grossed $76 million worldwide since its November 25, 2011 release and it will be interesting to see if it experiences a post-Oscar boost in coming weeks.  It also was victorious for Directing, Costume Design and Score.

Above this, the much-watched Actor in a Leading Role category went to a deserving Jean Dujardin for his unforgettable portrayal of Silent Film Actor, George Valentin in The Artist.  "Woh! I love your Country!", proclaimed the French Actor.

Winning Actress in a Leading Role as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, was the legendary Meryl Streep in her third Oscar win ever. Although many believed that Viola Davis would win the Award following her Golden Globe victory for The Help, alas Streep's superb performance would prevail in the category. This Actor/Actress sweep for The Weinstein Co., also is a big score for Canadian Distributor Alliance Films which handled both The Iron Lady and The Artist in these parts.

At 82 years of age, Toronto-born Christopher Plummer would win his first ever Oscar for Actor in a Supporting Role as a terminally-ill Gay Man in Beginners. Octavia Spencer like Plummer, repeated her feat of a Golden Globe/Oscar-double for her performance in The Help, winning Actress in a Supporting Role.

Hugo might not have been a massive Box Office success, nor did it win Best Picture, but the gorgeous Martin Scorcese Film but it sure gave The Artist a run for its glory tonight, winning five awards including: Cinematography, Visual Effects, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Art Direction.

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

To see some of the gorgeous Red Carpet Victresses tonight like Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Michelle Williams, Angelina Jolie and Milla Jovovich, visit Zimbio here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

MY PICKS FOR THE 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS

The 84th Academy Awards Official Poster

Being less than a week away, I've compiled my picks for the 84th Academy Awards. Admittedly, I haven't seen the Documentary and Short Film nominees so I am unable to comment.   I predict another sweep for The Artist, specifically for Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, Directing, Costume Design and perhaps a couple technical categories.  Although I think Viola Davis did a fantastic job on The Help, I still feel at this point Meryl Streep should edge her out for Actress in a Leading Role based on her powerful portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Cannot wait to pop the Champagne and celebrate another year of Cine-memories!

Here are my picks:

BEST PICTURE
The Artist


ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jean Dujardin
The Artist


ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Meryl Streep
The Iron Lady


ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Octavia Spencer
The Help


ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Rango
Gore Verbinski

2012 OSCAR NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Jennifer Lawrence announces 2012 Oscar Nominees

The 2012 Oscar nominations were announced bright and early this morning with the help of The Hunger Games Star Jennifer Lawrence and the surprises just wouldn't quit! Martin Scorcese came out on-top with an impressive eleven nominations, including Best Picture. Many also were surprised to see the sudden presence of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, which has been a non-presence much of Awards Season, only to pop-up finally for the coveted prize - a brilliant campaign by Warner Bros. to shape perceptions with as late a release as possible. Nonetheless, The Artist which has swept Best Picture awards coast to coast leading up to this, receives a stellar ten nominations. It is without a question the one to beat, although other Nominees The Descendants, Midnight in Paris, War Horse, Moneyball, The Tree of Life and The Help might have something to say about this.

Everyone is talking about some surprising omissions, namely both Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan for their mesmerizing work in Shame.  Elizabeth Olsen who is astoundingly good in Martha Marcy May Marlene also was nowhere to be found either and some are saying that Fox Searchlight which handled distribution for both Films in the U.S., had tapped-out its resources campaigning for its Prize Horse, The Descendants. Also, The Adventures of Tintin, widely considered a contender for Animated Feature Film at one point was overlooked altogether this year.

There were some real pleasant surprises to be had this morning, especially for Actor in a Supporting Role with Jonah Hill (Moneyball), Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn), Max von Sydow (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Nick Nolte (Warrior) all popping-up based on their powerful performances, to join category favourite, Christopher Plummer (Beginners).  Despite Warrior failing to garner critical and commercial success, it is thrilling that Nolte gets his due recognition as an alcoholic Father on-the-mend, hoping to repair his relationships with his two Sons.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: "MI4" TAKES TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND

Still from Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol as expected, takes the top of the Box Office over Christmas Weekend with $26.5 million, earning $58 million in two weeks.  Its limited opening last week was exclusive to IMAX theatres. Overseas it has fared even better, earning $102 already since its release, for Paramount Pictures. The Film made for $145 million, already has recouped its Production costs quickly.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows slips to second spot this weekend with $17.8 million and despite faring stronger than Mission Impossible stateside, internationally it has made only $14.6 million thus far.  It will continue to expand in coming weeks for Warner Bros. overseas.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked slips to third spot this weekend with $13.3 million for 20th Century Fox, earning $50.2 million in two weeks domestically - not shabby at all considering internationally, it has garnered $91 million already; it was made for $75 million.

"TWILIGHT" HOLDS ONTO #1 SPOT FOR THIRD WEEK

Still from Hugo 3-D

In a weak Box Office weekend, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 maintains a choke hold on Moviegoers with $16.9 million, bringing its total tally to $246.4 million in three weeks.  The Muppets from Disney meanwhile is kept at-bay in second with $11.2 million in this its second week of release, bringing its two week total in North America to $56.3 million.

Despite only showing in 1,740 theatres, Martin Scorcese's Hugo 3-D finds itself in third spot this weekend with $7.6 million, earning a total $25 million in two weeks for Paramount Pictures.  Arthur Christmas finishes in fourth spot also with $7.3 million this weekend.

George Clooney's Oscar vehicle The Descendants continues to do well in sixth spot this weekend with $5.2 million from just 574 theatres. Meanwhile, Immortals is still hanging-on to the Top Ten with $4.2 million in eighth spot earning $75.4 million in its fourth week. Puss in Boots slips to tenth spot with $3 million for Paramount Pictures after a six-week run.

"TWILIGHT" BLINDS THE COMPETITION: "MUPPETS" SECOND AT BOX OFFICE ON U.S. THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Still from Breaking Dawn Pt. 1

No real surprises here. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 holds-on to the top spot at the Box Office again in this its second week of release.  The Vampire Romance brought in $62.3 million over a five-day U.S. Thanksgiving Weekend for Summit Entertainment/eOne Films in North America.

Disney's The Muppets on any other weekend would've been on-top but by no means is it a disgrace to debut in second on a competitive weekend with $42 million. Praise has been unanimous for the revival of the Jim Henson Franchise, earning 98% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Happy Feet Two earns $18 million over the five-day weekend for Warner Bros. slipping to third spot in its second week of release, just ahead of Arthur Christmas for Sony Pictures, with $16.5 million.  The latter also has garnered lots of praise with a 98% rating on the Tomatometer.

Hugo would boast much higher numbers for Paramount Pictures, but the Martin Scorcese Family Movie opted to open only in 3-D, hence debuting with $15 million from 1,227 theatres.

Rounding out the Top Ten is The Descendants for Fox Searchlight, which still is performing exceedingly well in only 390 theatres with $9 million over the five-day weekend.

"HUGO 3-D" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Hugo 3-D

Magical, absolutely magical. Legendary Director Martin Scorcese's first foray into the Family genre - the $170-million opus that is Hugo 3-D - is an intricate and eye-popping Spectacle unlike anything you've ever seen. Set in a post-War-torn Paris, we see the World through the eyes of an orphaned Boy named Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) who lives day-to-day at a Train Station, escaping the watchful eye of a tyrannical Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen). Before passing away, Hugo's Father (Jude Law) leaves behind a mysterious broken Automaton (a self-operating machine), which only can be unlocked by a heart-shaped key held by Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz). Her Guardian happens to be Georges Méliès (Sir Ben Kingsley).

Georges deems Hugo untrustworthy after having caught him stealing from his Toy Store at the Station, meaning Hugo and Isabelle are to bond secretly. As this Story develops, we learn that this Automaton holds a rich and storied Tale of whom Georges and his Wife Jeanne (Helen McCrory) once were before their Paris was affected by War.

Hugo 3-D, based upon Brian Selznick's Novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is hard not to like with a Story so multi-layered, it engages you right from the get-go and never relents. Together with this Boy, we try to unlock the mystery behind the Automaton, fearing genuinely for him every step of the way as he escapes being thrown into an Orphanage. 3-D Technology here is tasteful and elegant as only can be expected of Scorcese.

MARTIN SCORCESE ON "HUGO 3-D"

Martin Scorcese covers The Hollywood Reporter

The latest Issue of The Hollywood Reporter features none other than legendary Filmmaker Martin Scorcese on its Cover. Scorcese who soon releases Hugo on November 23, 2011 via Paramount Pictures, tells Jay Fernandez about his repressed Childhood when he was frequently silenced and also how his 12 year-old Daughter Francesca inspired him to make this latest effort.

Scorcese says, "You deal with them (Children) every day so that you're made to understand actually how they perceive the world around them, even from the level of their height". "It's a different way of living entirely. But the thing about it is then (doing Hugo) seemed natural. It didn't seem like a stretch. Being around children, I'm very comfortable with them now.".

Watch Scorcese and Avatar Director James Cameron talk to The Hollywood Reporter about the use of 3-D in Hugo below:

Read the Article in full here.

(Photo/video credit: The Hollywood Reporter)

CHLOE MORETZ AT TIFF FOR "HICK"

Chloe Moretz & Mr. Will-W.

The unmistakably talented 14 year-old Chloë Moretz made me a promise over Twitter the other day to take a Snap with me today and she followed through, remembering exactly who I was.  Despite there being hoards of people waiting for both her and George Clooney to exit their shared venue, Moretz still was wonderful, taking the time to greet as many Fans as possible.

Although I did see Hick today, personally it failed to meet my expectations in terms of believability, Moretz herself stepped-up to the challenges of her role and I am a true champion of her potential.  Unfortunately, Blake Lively did not visit the City as confirmed a few weeks back and Juliette Lewis, surprisingly didn't take the stage during the Q&A attended also by Co-star Eddie Redmayne following the Premiere at Winter Garden Theatre.  Lewis can however v. much be found around as she continues to film NBC's The Firm in the City til early next year.

Moretz can next be seen in Martin Scorcese's Hugo due November 23, 2011.

See more below:

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ANNOUNCES "25 FALL MOVIES WE CAN'T WAIT FOR"

Still from J Edgar

Entertainment Weekly has announced their 25 Fall Movies We Can’t Wait For complete with stills from each film.  Included on their List are:

• Moneyball
• Drive
• The Ides of March
• J Edgar
• Hugo
• Carnage
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

MARTIN SCORCESE'S "HUGO" TRAILER RELEASED

Still from Hugo

"Where are your parents, little man?" - Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen)

Not quite what I was expecting, this new Trailer for Martin Scorcese's latest work Hugo has just surfaced. Adapted from the story The Invention of Hugo Cabret, its Hero is an orphaned Boy who finds himself in a journey to unlock the mystery surrounding his late Father. Starring young breakout star Asa Butterfield and Chloë Grace Moretz, this 3-D uplifting Action/Fantasy adventure will hit theatres on U.S. Thanksgiving (November 23, 2011).  Paramount Pictures will be distributing in North America, with Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law, Ben Kingsley and Emily Mortimer also starring.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

MORE NAMES ADDED TO CAST OF SCORCESE'S HUGO CABRET

More names have been added to Martin Scorcese's 3-D film, Hugo Cabret (formerly The Invention of Hugo Cabret). According to Collider, the film began production in London yesterday and so far, confirmed cast members include: Sir Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, Sacha Baron Cohen, Chloë Moretz and Asa Butterfield. Expect big things. Click here to read the official press release. (Thanks Awards Daily!).

SCORCESE GOES 3-D

Iconic director Martin Scorcese will be jumping aboard the 3-D bandwagon for his next project, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The film is based on the children's books by Brian Selznick and centers around a Parisian boy who tries to solve the mystery of a broken robot.  Despite being independently financed, the film will be distributed by Sony Pictures.  So far, Sacha Baron Cohen (BORAT, Bruno) and Ben Kingsley (The House of Sand and Fog, Shutter Island) have been attached to the project and British youngster Asa Butterfield will be appearing in the film's starring role.  Butterfield was seen most recently in The Wolfman and he will be in the upcoming Nanny McPhee sequel. 

Scorcese's creative integrity really cannot be questioned, so I don't foresee the move to film in 3-D necessarily as negative.  I just don't like the idea that I will have to upgrade my television yet again  to watch the forthcoming wave of DVDs  made for the ever-popular format.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret will be in theatres December 2011.