64TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Award Nominees have been announced and indeed Television has stepped-up its game with field upon field of tough competition in each category. This year we see the return of AMC's Mad Men after a lengthy absence and it is a force to be reckoned with Elisabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and even the underrated Jared Harris being recognized for their superb work. HBO's Comedy, Girls, also is a force to be reckoned with, getting nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy with Lena Dunham. 

ABC's Modern Family once again is well-represented with all four of its male Stars, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all up against each other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Kristen Wiig stands a v. good chance at winning in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live with this past season having been her finale one.

Julianne Moore is up against her The Hours Co-star Nicole Kidman for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO's Game Change, while the latter is being recognized for her work in HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn.  Ashley Judd somehow is angled into the same category for her work in Missing which after its cancellation, is now being considered a Miniseries? Girl, please.

Interestingly, NBC's The Voice is nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, while the Godfather in the genre, FOX's American Idol fails to get any recognition from the Academy.  The two programs have had v. public feuds in the Media in the past with Idol's Randy Jackson having called its Foe, "second-rate".

Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: NBC)

PATRICK J. ADAMS BACK IN TORONTO FOR SEASON TWO OF "SUITS"

Patrick J. Adams & Mr. Will-W.

Best known for his work on USA Network's Suits in which he stars as genius Lawyer Mike Ross, Toronto's v. Own Patrick J. Adams is back in his Hometown and ready to begin work on a second season of the Series. 

In December, Adams was nominated for his first Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series, making us real proud. Adams also can be seen currently in HBO's ill-fated Horse Racing Drama Series Luck, which just recently was cancelled after a total three Horses have had to be euthanized on-set at Santa Anita Race Track. 

The Actor was sporting a scruffier look arriving in Toronto tonight with his Dog, an adorable black Cocker Spaniel, on a flight from Los Angeles. The Pet is said to divide its time between Adams and lovely Pretty Little Liars Star Troian Bellisario, whom he is attached to currently.

Recognizing him right away, he was happy to stop and pose for a Photo, offering a quick handshake as his lovely Greeter offered to take a snap. Adams will be filming Suits between April and October 2012. 

Last Summer, we met his handsome Co-star Gabriel Macht on-set and he also was amaze! Click here to read more.  

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GAME OF THRONES" AUTHOR GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AT INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

George R.R.Martin & Mr. Will-W.

Toronto is completely enamoured with Game of Thrones and in addition to TIFF Bell Lightbox hosting an Exhibition in celebration of its upcoming second season, Author George R.R. Martin is joining-in on the fun.  After meeting Fans last night as part of that Venue's In Conversation With... Series, The New York Times #1 Bestselling Author spent just-under three hours signing Autographs for Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre tonight also.  Although, Martin was signing all Books written by himself, focus tonight was placed on his v. latest, A Dance with Dragons - released last July via Random House Canada.

With an estimated 800-1,000 Fans queuing around the block up from Bay Street to Balmuto Street in chilly temperatures, tonight's turnout is a true testament to the widespread appeal of Martin's Body of Work, with Fans of many visible demographics showing their support. Arriving prepared with an array of Sharpies and Pens customized to Fan's preferences, Martin apologized in advance for not being able to personalize each and every Book, even though he admits preferring to add that personal touch.

Like clockwork, Fans were ushered through, some getting a chance to pass him their Fanmail, some shaking his hand and some a little too starstruck to say anything at all.  In the end, all who queued got their moment with Martin thanks to great organization on the part of Indigo.  Nothing is more saddening than seeing Fans get turned away!  I myself got to shake his hand and was in-awe of the Santa Fe native's impressive beard!

Game of Thrones Season Two premieres Sunday, April 1, 2012 on HBO Canada. Click here for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THIRD HORSE DIES ON THE SET OF "LUCK"

Still from Luck

This saddens me deeply as a true Horse Lover. HBO has halted production on its Horse Racing Drama Series Luck, starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, after a Horse was injured and euthanized earlier today.  The Horse was being led onto Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California by a Groom when it reared and sustained a head injury, resulting in the decision to euthanize it.  Although this incident doesn't appear to be related in any way to mistreatment, the American Humane Association has ordered an investigation, according to the Associated Press.

During the filming of its first season, two Horses were euthanized also as a result of injuries sustained while filming intense racing scenes for Luck, which only recently was renewed for a second season beginning January 2013.  HBO continues to be firm in their stance that they are adhering to safety standards, working together with the American Humane Association and Industry Experts.

Luck, despite drawing modest ratings, has received favourable reviews garnering a score of 75 on Metacritic.

UPDATE (3/14/12): HBO announced that Luck has officially been cancelled. According to a Statement issued on their part today, they state: "While we maintained the highest safety standards possible, accidents unfortunately happen and it is impossible to guarantee they won't in the future".

(Photo credit: HBO)

"GAME OF THRONES" STAR MICHELLE FAIRLEY IN TORONTO FOR TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX EXHIBIT

Michelle Fairley in Toronto - March 2012

Acclaimed veteran Actress Michelle Fairley helped ring-in TIFF Bell Lightbox's Game of Thrones: The Exhibition last night in Toronto. The Exhibit features Weapons, Props, Video and Photography from the HBO Series, running from March 9-18, 2012.

The London-based Actress who plays the role of Catelyn Stark on the Series and was recognized for her work with a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2011.  Prior to that she was seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as Mrs. Granger.

On March 8, 2012, Game of Thrones Author George R. R. Martin will be appearing at TIFF Bell Lightbox as part of their In Conversation With... Series.  The Event begins at 7:00 PM.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FIRST TRAILER: "GAME CHANGE" STARRING JULIANNE MOORE AS SARAH PALIN

Still from Game Change

 "It wasn't my fault, I wasn't properly prepped".

Julianne Moore like the brilliant Actress she is, absolutely transforms into Sarah Palin in this intriguing first Trailer for HBO's Game Change. Delving behind-the scenes on the intense relationship between John McCain and the famed former Alaskan Governor, this would appear immediately to a bit more on the satirical side.  One thing's for sure -  Palin isn't portrayed all that favourably from what we see here and if anything, she seems rather unstable. Directed by Jay Roach, Game Change also stars Woody Harrelson, Ron Livingston, Sarah Paulson and Ed Harris.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

Game Change airs on HBO, Saturday, March 10, 2012.

(Photo/video credit: HBO)

ACTRESS/MODEL/JOCKEY CHANTAL SUTHERLAND RETURNS HOME TO TORONTO

Chantal Sutherland & Mr. Will-W.

She's back!  Toronto's v. own Chantal Sutherland has returned home once again - even if only for a weekend - to cap-off the Thoroughbred Racing Season at Woodbine Racetrack.  After meeting Fans in Las Vegas the other day, she flew-in last night to her Hometown, where she cut her teeth before riding her way to major success south of the Border at California's Santa Anita and Hollywood Parks.  Just last month, she rode a career-defining first runner-up finish in North America's richest race, the $5-million Breeder's Cup Classic aboard Game on Dude.

Not only is Sutherland a first-class Jockey, but she also is a Model (Annie Leibovitz has shot her for Vogue), Reality TV Star (at one point in talks to star on ABC's Dancing with the Stars) and she soon will be seen alongside the likes of Nick Nolte and Dustin Hoffman in HBO's hotly-tipped new Series, Luck. The first Episode of Luck will air on Sunday, December 11, 2011 and it premieres officially on Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Sutherland aboard Sense of Pride

The beautiful Sutherland revealed a secret to me right before winning her second race today aboard Filly Sense of Pride, which I vowed not to repeat.  All I will say though is that early 2012 Sutherland will be appearing in a Spread on a v. internationally-known Magazine, photographed by a v. well-known Celebrity ...who also happens to be a Photographer.  Excite.

From the Grandstand, it was clear how much Toronto misses Sutherland, with tons of clapping and cheering just for her.  Welcome home Chantal, Queen of Everything!

Follow Sutherland on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MIKE WHITE AT TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX FOR "COMEDY LAB"

Mike White & Mr. Will-W.

Actor/Writer Mike White might seldom be seen in the Spotlight, but his Body of Work speaks for itself. White is known best for successes like Chuck and Buck (his performance lauded by Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges), The Good Girl, Nacho Libre, Orange County and TIFF 2003 favourite, School of Rock. He is known most recently for his work on the acclaimed HBO Series Enlightened starring Laura Dern, which premiered in October.

Speaking as part of the Telefilm Canada Features Comedy Lab Series at TIFF Bell Lightbox, White was introduced by Canadian Comedic Legend Eugene Levy, chatting for 90-plus minutes with Film Guru Richard Crouse.

The cold-averting Vegan delivered his thoughts on Comedic Writing although he admits modestly, "I think I'm better at writing melancholy but I can fake it by making funny faces.". Quoting Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, White feels "Good things come from mischievous glee.".

Meeting White is an absolute honour as I've long been a Fan of his Work. Both The Good Girl and School of Rock remain still among my favourites.

Click here to learn more about White's new Series Enlightened.

DUSTIN HOFFMAN STARS IN NEW HBO SERIES "LUCK"

Still from Luck

What would life be like without HBO? During Breeders' Cup weekend, these Promo Spots for Michael Mann's new series Luck were aired repeatedly and I must admit, it looks pretty damn good. With the Season Finale of Boardwalk Empire creeping-up, Luck will more than ably be filling that void for Fans this Winter.

Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte star in what is sure to be Emmys bait.  And if you might recall, Torontonian Jockey Chantal Sutherland whom I posted about yesterday, appears in six of the Series' completed twelve episodes.  Cannot wait to see this.  I'll pay the extra $20 to add HBO Canada back to my TV Package!

Watch the Promo Spot for Luck in full below:

STEPHEN MOYER TORONTO-BOUND FOR "THE BARRENS"

Stephen Moyer in True Blood

Robert Pattinson and Alexander Skarsgård aren't the only Vampires to have graced our City in recent months!  True Blood Fans will be thrilled to know that Stephen Moyer, Bill on the hit HBO series, is slated to begin production on Horror, The Barrens v. soon.  Slated for production between September 26 through October 21, 2011 (subject to change), the Film will be helmed by Saw Director Darren Lynn Bousman who is active on Twitter here.

The Horror is about a Family which goes on a Camping Trip but are convinced they are being followed by a Monster named, The Jersey Devil.  Uh-oh.

Details to come, but we want us some Bill!  And maybe some Sookie (Moyer's real-life Wife, Anna Paquin) too...

 

(Photo credit: HBO)

"SEX AND THE CITY" TO BE REVIVED AS TELEVISION SERIES?

Still from Sex and the City 2

No way!  The Daily Mail is putting it out there that Sarah Jessica Parker is keen on reviving the Sex and the City franchise again - not as a Movie - but back to its roots as a Television Series.  That's right - a seventh season is said to be in early discussions.  Neither Darren Starr nor HBO have confirmed anything yet at this point, mind you.

Although I'm thrilled to hear this as a not-so-secret Fan of Sex and the City, there's something inherently sacrilegious about exhuming a sacred corpse long-buried. But then again, was it not sacrilegious also making two Films which dishonoured the legacy that is Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte?  Alrighty!  Sign me up for that TV package with HBO in it!

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

MARK WAHLBERG & TIE DOMI SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Mark Wahlberg in Toronto - December 2010

The Boys are back in town! BFFs Mark Wahlberg and former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi were out and about the City this evening and after being spotted in Yorkville earlier - where they have been known to stay in the past - they enjoyed some Italian fare among Friends at Biagio on King St. this evening.

Having just been to the City this past December to promote subsequent Academy Award-winning The Fighter, Wahlberg traveled with less Entourage than normal tonight and came out afterward to greet Fans on the street, signing Autographs and taking Photos with them.  Not at all surprising - he's one of the nicest!

In addition to working together with Author James Frey (as announced previously here) on a new HBO series about Porn and evolution to the Internet, Wahlberg is also teaming-up again with The Other Guys Co-star Will Ferrell for Warner Bros.' upcoming Comedy, Turkey Bowl.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

AUTHOR JAMES FREY AT INDIGO MANULIFE FOR "THE FINAL TESTAMENT OF THE HOLY BIBLE"

Mr. Will-W. & James Frey

"If I wanted to enrage people, I would've had the Messiah fuck a Dog. I'm not trying to offend people with my writing, but at the same time I would never limit him (the Messiah) to anything I wouldn't think he'd do." - James Frey, on his new Book The Final Testament of the Holy Bible.

Screenwriter/Author/Director James Frey made a rare visit to Toronto today promoting his controversial new Book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible at Indigo Manulife Centre. The Book depicts a Pansexual Jesus Christ who engages in the consumption of Drugs. Speaking to an intimate audience, Frey admits to Host Heather Reisman, "I want people either to love or hate this Book.  I consider it a failure being in the middle.".

Frey is no stranger to controversy having been confronted harshly by one of his greatest Champions Oprah Winfrey on her Talk Show in 2006 to address the authenticity of his claims that Best Seller A Million Little Pieces is in fact really a Memoir. Five years and two more Best Selling Novels later, Frey returned to The Oprah Winfrey Show (his only Press so far) in a special two-hour Interview airing yesterday and today, where she apologized to him for not hearing his side of the story fully.  To this day, Frey stands by his argument that all Memoirs require some degree of embellishment.

Frey's agenda is honest admitting, "I want to be the most influencial Writer in the World, even though I don't think I've quite gotten there yet. I'm not interested in selling ten copies of a Book.". Compared to the massive success of his earlier work, he is being less ambitious this time around, pressing 10,000 copies of his new Book for the U.S. and only 3,000 copies for Canada, to be distributed exclusively at Indigo.

WATCH A PREVIEW OF HBO'S " LADY GAGA PRESENTS THE MONSTER BALL"

This totally will break your heart. Watch this Sneak Preview from HBO's Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour: Live at Madison Square Garden.  Gaga has a breakdown, talking about her own insecurities and feeling as though others are out to destroy her.  She is defiant, telling the Camera, "Sometimes I feel like a Loser Kid in High school ... and tell myself I'm a Superstar every morning and be for my Fans what they need me to be.".  She goes on to say how others sometimes "see Wigs and Lipstick and just shut down because they don't know".  

The HBO Special airs Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST.

WHY YOU NEED TO WATCH HBO'S "MILDRED PIERCE"

Still from Mildred Pierce

My latest obsession is HBO’s Mildred Pierce, a five-part Mini-Series which I have been going on about now since learning last year that it began Production in New York. Not to be confused as a Remake of the 1945 Film starring Joan Crawford as much as it is an Adaptation of the 1941 Novel by James M. Cain, Mildred Pierce is well worth that $20/month you’ll have to spend to get HBO here in Canada.

Directed by Todd Haynes, who brought us 2002’s outstanding Far From Heaven and starring Oscar winner Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce alleviates any worries those of us had about Winslet “stepping down a notch” to do Television when she is a bona fide Film Actress. If anything, her work here rates as one of her best performances yet.

Haynes truly understands the soul of a tortured Woman.  Mildred leaves her adulterous Husband, raising difficult and materialistic Daughter Veda on her own. All the while, she single-handedly builds a Restaurant Empire out of her own ambition in California during the Great Depression while experiencing a sexual re-awakening engaging in a sexy and passionate relationship with Monty Peragon (Guy Pearce) who is financially dependent on her. This Mini-Series not only is a study of a complex character, but also a detailed examining of Class Relations in a time when Money or a lack thereof, defined an Era.

Despite Winslet v. much being where our attentions are focused upon, Mildred Pierce’s Supporting Cast is remarkable, including another Oscar winner in Melissa Leo and the great Hope Davis. The biggest revelation thus far has been soon-to-be twelve Child Actor Morgan Turner, who plays a young Veda – full of venomous fire and ambition. Veda has her Mother at her mercy, constantly making her crave approval and validation. Several times we see her deliver slaps and receive them from Winslet. When I was 11 years old… And although she has yet to surface, the talented Evan Rachel Wood plays the older Veda who surely will be stealing a scene or two.

Mildred Pierce airs Sunday nights on HBO Canada at 9:15 PM EST.

(Photo credit: HBO)

HBO'S MILDRED PIERCE MINI-SERIES TO PREMIERE END OF MARCH

Still from Mildred Pierce

HBO's Mildred Pierce will be premiering in the U.S. on March 27, 2011, though its Canadian Premiere Date has yet to be confirmed.  The eagerly awaited five-part Mini-series stars the amazing Kate Winslet in the Lead Role made famous originally by Joan Crawford in 1945.

Instead of studying Crawford's performance, Winslet made sure not to watch the original Film Adaption of James M. Cain's Novel in order to stay true to the original story as much as possible.  Mildred Pierce is about a Woman who finds financial wealth during The Great Depression after becoming a Restauranteur.  She finds that her upward mobility causes strains in her relationship with her spoiled Daughter Veda (Evan Rachel Wood).

Watch Mildred Pierce's juicy Trailer below: