Seth Rogen Thinks the Oscars Screwed Over James Franco

If there’s one thing we still need to discuss, it’s the 2011 Oscars and how co-host James Franco bungled them up. (If you believe that, I have bunch of leftover Sarah Palin jokes I’d like to fly for you.) Fellow Freaks and Geeks alum Seth Rogen responded to a question regarding Mr. Franco, and he finally weighed in on the Oscars’ decision to hire young hosts. Specifically, he thinks the Academy screwed James Franco over. In an interview with Shortlist.com, Rogen considered the circumstances surrounding Franco’s dubious hosting gig. James Franco’s a friend of yours. Would you ever host the Oscars like he did? Not now [laughs]. I think when you agree to do something like that, you put a certain amount of faith in the institution, hoping that they’ll take care of you, and I feel like they didn’t [take care of him]. Why hire James Franco and then give him Billy Crystal’s monologue? It was like, “Oh, we’ll hire these young hosts and then we’ll just do the same sh*t we do every f*cking year.” Which to me was really odd. I think they just approached it wrong. They didn’t think it through, and they were way underprepared. I think they hung him out to dry. So I wouldn’t do it unless they hired some better writers [laughs]. I think the better question is, “Why hire James Franco to recite patter at all?” Even smoother thespians like Jon Hamm and Ryan Gosling would’ve had a tough time remaining buoyant and perky for 210 minutes. An Oscar host must be vaudevillian. There’s no getting around it. Hugh Jackman, I eagerly await your return to the dais. Mind you, if Franco decided to host the Razzies next year, my respect for him would likely quintuple. Seth Rogen interview [Shortlist]

Hammond: 2013 Oscar Show May Not Be Moving Earlier

EXCLUSIVE: With Monday night’s Gotham Awards and Tuesday’s announcement of the Independent Spirit Award nominations and winners of the NY Film Critics awards (more on that below), awards season is in full swing and we are barely past Thanksgiving. It seems as if the season is becoming a literal rush to judgment with screenings beginning only this week for some big titles such as The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and Angelina Jolie’s In The Land of Blood and Honey. But things could become even more hurried if the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences actually follows through on their much-talked about plan to move the Oscars earlier in 2013 by as much as a month. The most-discussed date is the last Sunday of January that year — the 27th. The current season’s Oscars will be on Sunday February 26th. But as it turns out, I have learned that a significantly earlier Oscarcast is very unlikely for 2013 and even 2014. The prevailing thinking is that an earlier Oscars would mercifully shorten the long awards season and make them more competitive with the slew of movie awards shows that precede the Academy Awards beginning with this week’s events (The National Board of Review will also announce their winners on Thursday). Past Academy President Sid Ganis and current President Tom Sherak have been known to favor an earlier awards date but sources close to the discussions tell me there are complications. I checked this all out after hearing that at least two prominent Guilds that hand out their own awards usually in late January/early February were extremely worried about the Academy making such a major move and were told an announcement may be imminent. One guild source said it would cause complete chaos with everyone’s schedules meaning there would be a pileup of awards and obviously each show including the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, various Guild awards and others would all try to move much earlier too. BAFTAchief executiveAmanda Berrywhose show airs two weeks before the Oscars told me she would definitely have to consider a move rather than following the Academy Awards. One guild exec angrily told me, “I don’t know why they would do this. The Oscars are the Super Bowl. What do they have to worry about? Everyone else, including us, are like playoff games.” Actually the real Super Bowl is part of the problem. The Academy’s broadcast partner ABChas a say in these plans and I have been told by a very informed Acad source that the January 27, 2013 date has been ruled out and the earliest they could go is February 3. Problem is that happens to be the date of the Super Bowl so obviously that Sunday is out. So is the next Sunday after that for an undisclosed reason meaning the earliest the show could go is February 17 and franklymy sources saythey will have to think about the value of moving it just one week earlier than it is already. Academy voters already are crunched with a plethora of films to watch and losing that extra week may just not be worth the minimum return the Acad gets in moving up a few days. The calendar for 2014 has a very similar configuration and presents the exact same scenario. Of course they could always move the show back to Monday where it aired for many years before landing on the much more desirable Sunday berth a few years ago. Word is that’s not being seriously considered. In fact I have been told absolutely no decision will be made until the Academy has figured out how to implement online voting. Some experimentation is taking place now but there won’t be a big test untillater in the Spring. Once they know they can safely make the switch from paper to electronic ballots with fear of getting hacked or having vote totals uncovered by some enterprising college kid, they will decide if and when the show can move. Of course for most of the critics groups moving earlier is no big deal because they generally are the first to see the movies. The much larger nearly 6,000 member Academy has a hell of a time trying to see all the major contenders as it is, especially on the big screen instead of via screeners which is what the Academy is actively urging members to do. Another guild exec suggested that “moving earlier would have the undesired effect of making critics groups and their choices even more influential since many Oscar voters might only have time to watch what these groupsvote for.” That apparentlywas the bone-headed thinking this year when theNY Film Critics, under new president John Anderson boldly moved up their awards voting by two weeks just so they could be first and beat the National Board of Review which normally get that first slot.Originally they were to have voted today but then Scott Rudin told them he couldn’tpossibly show them The Girl With TheDragon Tattoo any earlier than today.Considering the film was directed bylast year’s NYFCC darling David Fincher they agreed to move their vote to Tuesday.However another Rudin film, one with a special NewYork connection, the post 9/11 drama Extremely Loud and IncrediblyClose was not ready in time and Warner Bros. had to turn down the NYFCC’s request to see it earlycausing a war of wordsbetween the critics group and the studio — and it won’t be considered.Isn’t this early move a case of the tail wagging the dog? No matter what awards the groupdoes or doesn’t bestow on Dragon Tattoo it’s a lose-lose situation with some members complaining aggressively. One told me,”If I can’t see everything, I just won’t vote.” Perhaps therein lies a storm warning for the Academy’s early bird proponents as well.

CNN's GOP Debate Lures 3.6 Million Viewers

Ides of March director-star George Clooney has been named a witness in former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's new sex and corruption trial.our editor recommendsSilvio Berlusconi Trial Restarts in MilanSilvio Berlusconi's Next Move: Salvage His Media EmpireMedia Mogul Silvio Berlusconi Steps Down as Italy's Prime Minister Clooney's ex-girlfriend, Dancing With the Stars season 13 contestant Elisabetta Canalis, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo were also among the more than 200 names accepted by a Milan court Wednesday for the case, which alleges that the media titan had sex with an underage prostitute, reports the Associated Press. PHOTOS: Actors Who've Played Politicians The 75-year-old Mediaset honcho is accused to paying Karima el-Mahroug -- best known by her nickname "Ruby the Heart Stealer" -- for sex when she was 17. He is also charged with abuse of power for trying to help el-Mahroug get out of trouble when she was arrested for shoplifting by calling law enforcement and lying that she was the niece of then-Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. The abuse of power charge is the most serious of the two charges against Berlusconi in this trial, carrying a maximum prison term of 12 years. Earlier this year, Clooney said he was "stupified" to be considered a witness in the case, which has been delayed for months. "It's very strange," Clooney said according to a statement from his agent released to the Milan daily Corriere della Sera. "I have met Berlusconi only once, and even then it was only to solicit his help for Darfur." Berlusconi stepped down as prime minister of Italy on Nov. 12 Related Topics Elisabetta Canalis George Clooney International Silvio Berlusconi

'Arrested Development's' Jason Bateman, Ron Howard React to Show's Revival

Netflix announced Friday it was resurrecting critical darling, Arrested Development, whose cult following has been clammoring for a reunion since the show's 2006 cancellation.our editor recommends'Arrested Development' to Be Resurrected by Netflix'Arrested Development' Bidding War Breaks Out Between Hulu, Netflix (Report)Portia de Rossi Shocked by First 'Arrested Development' Script'Arrested Development's' Return: What the Fans Are Saying New episodes of the series, which will only be available to subscribers of the DVD rental service, are scheduled to be released in the first half of 2013. PHOTOS: Fall TV's 12 Most Anticipated Shows And the show's stars seemed more than excited. "Netflix is gassing up the staircar!" Jason Bateman, who played the character Michael Bluth in the comedy, tweeted Friday, adding "I don't think I've ever been happier to wear a pair of khakis." Ron Howard, who narrated the series which ran from 2003 to 2006, also took to his Twitter account to celebrate the news. "Gotta warm up my throat and start practicing... "it's Arrested....Development" Good News," he said, adding, "Many thanks to you ever-so-vocal Arrested Development supporters Wouldn't have gottne here without you." STORY: 'Arrested Development': 5 Things to Know About the Series' Return Netflix Chief Content OfficerTed Sarandossaid in a statement annoucning the news Friday, "Arrested Development is one of the finest American comedies in TV history and its return through Netflix is a perfect example of how we are working closely with studios and networks to provide consumers with entertainment they love." No word yet from the show's other stars Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Tambor and Portia DeRossi. Related Topics Jason Bateman Ron Howard Will Arnett Netflix Arrest Development

'Super 8' Casting Agent Discovered to Be Convicted Child Molester

A convicted sex offender has worked on the casting of children in films, including J.J. Abrams' Super 8, according to the Los Angeles Times.our editor recommends'Ferris' actor fails to register as sex offenderStates ask MySpace for sex offender data Jason James Murphy, who has used the professional name Jason James, has helped cast numerous films with child actors, such as Cheaper By The Dozen 2 and School of Rock, according toIMDB. His listing on the National Sex Offender Public Website cited his current residence as being in West Hollywood. Murphy was convicted of the kidnap and molestation of an eight-year-old boy in Seattle in 1996, and served five years, according to the report. The case was the subject of an episode of "America's Most Wanted," which led to Murphy's arrest in NY. He moved to California in 2005, underwent a required evaluation and registered as a sex offender, but has used his shorter alias in the industry. Abrams said he was tipped by his manager, David Lonner, who had become aware of Murphy's background."It's shocking and it's devastating, not just as a filmmaker but as a father and someone who is entrusted to make sure that everyone I work with, especially children, are safe," Abrams said in the report. There are no known complaints against Murphy, although his concealment of his real name may be a violation of the terms of his sex offender registration. Related Topics Super 8

David Fincher Jokes About 'Dragon Tattoo' Oscar Chances

If David Fincher was attempting to secure an Academy Award nomination for his approaching film, 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattoo,' it isn't really the easiest method to do it. Within an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the director "half-amusingly" spoke concerning the movie's Oscar chances. "There's an excessive amount of rectal rape within this movie ... I believe we are safe.Inch Hm, possibly he should have a page from Brett Ratner's playbook and quit while he's ahead? On the more severe note, it may sound like Fincher will campaign for any 'Tattoo' Oscar, otherwise for him, a minimum of for his stars -- something he's done on his latter projects. "If this found '[The Curious Situation of] Benjamin Button,' I needed it for Kaira [Pitt] a lot more than Kaira wanted it for themself," confesses Fincher. For Jessie Eisenberg in 'The Social Networking,' the director "believed that kid f-cking introduced it, and that i was incredibly grateful to have the ability to be there and record that performance." 'Dragon Tattoo' has produced early Oscar buzz, particularly for Rooney Mara within the Best Actress category. You should check out the entire Fincher interview over on EW. 'The Girl Using the Dragon Tattoo' arrives on 12 ,. 21. [via EW] [Photo: Columbia] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Greenburg arranging jobs

Ross Greenburg finds a set of publish-Cinemax houses. The first kind topper from the pay cabler's sports division is going to be dealing with both NBC and also the NHL. Greenburg will produce a number of sports paperwork for cabler NBC Sports Network, that will happen to be top quality from Versus on Jan. 1. First of all is "Cold Fight against Ice: Summit Series '72," which examines the hockey series from a team of Canadian NHL all-stars and also the Ussr national team throughout the peak from the Cold War. He'll also lead to "Costas Tonight," a brand new monthly interview program and live town hall series. Greenburg and Bob Costas possess a history together around the Cinemax series "Around the Record" and "Costas Now." Additionally, Greenburg has pacted using the NHL because the league just produced its very own shingle NHL Original Prods. He's set to help using the league's content group on program initiatives, a few of which will air on NBC Sports. The league labored carefully with Greenburg this past year on HBO's effective "24/7 Penguins-Capitals: Route to the NHL Winter Classic" rookie docuseries. HBO's second installment this season will feature the NY Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. We have spent at Cinemax for 33 years, Greenburg was changed recently as leader from the sports division by Ken Hershman, who comes over from Showtime's sports department. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

'Call Up' tops Brit List

LONDON -- "The Phone Call Up," a sci-fi horror script by Charles Barker occur the field of virtual gaming, tops this year's Brit List, which ranks probably the most loved unproduced scripts within the U.K. and Irish film community. Barker is really a advertisements director with extensive CGI experience. "The Phone Call Up," which heads their email list with 10 votes, has been produced by rookie producer Matt Wilkinson, who left his publish like a development professional at Working Title captured to begin their own company Stigma Films. The Brit List is modelled on Hollywood's Black List, which asks a swimming pool of development executives, agents and producers to recommend a common unproduced scripts. Second within this year's Brit List, with eight votes, is William Boyd's adaptation of their own novel "Regular Thunderstorms," that is being produced by David Thompson's Origin Pictures with BBC Films. It is a thriller a good innocent guy being went after across London by police along with a hitman. In joint third place, with seven votes each, are Henrietta and Jessica Ashworth's comedy "Olivia and Jim" from Forward Films, and Hong Khaou's drama "Lilting yesteryearInch from producer Dominic Buchanan, in regards to a surviving mother attempting to make feeling of her son's dying. Origin Pictures has two other highly-placed projects out there, playwright Polly Stenham's adaptation of her very own play "Tusk Tusk," and James Graham's "X+Y" in regards to a teenage math prodigy's mission to obtain the formula for love. Both received six votes, together with "Guy Up" by Tess Morris, an intimate comedy being produced by Large Talk for Studiocanal. Their email list includes several game titles by high-profile authors. William Davies, whose credits include "Johnny British Reborn" and "How you can Train Your Dragon," has five votes for his drama "Second Is Nowhere," in development at BBC Films. One of the scripts with four votes would be the Focus Features project "Baghdad Wedding," modified by Hassan Abdulrassak from their own play, together with Nick Drake Jay Basu's crime thriller "Bad Traffic" for producers David Gerson, Nick Wechsler and Rory Gilmartin and Juliette Towhidi's adaptation of Vera Brittan's classic WW1 memoir "Testament of Youth" for Heyday. Also with four votes are Sebastian Foster's Western "Burnthaven" for Cloud Eight Films, and Catherine Shepherd's comedy "Just like a Virgin" in regards to a contemporary and unvirginal Mary who discovers she is going to give birth to another Deliverer. Scripts with three votes include "The Invisible Lady," concerning the mistress of Charles Dickens, compiled by Abi Morgan ("Shame," "The Iron Lady") and 2 adaptations of John LeCarre books. "Our Type of Traitor," modified by Hossein Amini ("Drive"), and "A Popular Guy," modified by Andrew Bovell ("Lantana") with Anton Corbijn set to direct. Both LeCarre projects are now being produced by Ink Factory and Potboiler Prods. Other notable projects with three votes include "Miss You Already," by director Paul Andrew Williams and comedienne Morwenna Banks an adaptation of Edith Wharton's "The Buccaneers" by Heidi Thomas for Ruby Films a David Nicholls version of Thomas Hardy's novel "Not Even Close To the Madding Crowd" for DNA Films and "I, Macrobane," a black comedy by author/director Ben Wheatley, being produced by Large Talk. Finishing their email list are Amber Trentham and Thomas Carty's romantic thriller "Available Light" Trevor Preston's thriller "China Busker" Nicholas Horwood's horror script "The Great People" Howard Overman's comedy thriller "The Slackfi Project," in development at The new sony David F. Shamoon's road movie "RemovingInch and Joshua St Johnston's musical "Walking on Sunshine" with Vertigo. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Harry Potter, Glee Lead People's Choice Awards Nominations

Lea Michele, Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter may be over, but the gang at Hogwarts is not going down without a fight. The eighth and final installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, has been nominated for nine People's Choice Awards, including favorite movie, favorite movie actor and favorite ensemble movie cast. With no Twilight film eligible for nomination, due to cut off dates, the boy wizard will take on Bridesmaids, The Help, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Transformers: Dark of the Moon in the favorite movie category. Daniel Radcliffe will face off with Twilight star Robert Pattinson in the favorite movie actor category. Radcliffe and Pattinson, who is up for his work in Water for Elephants, will also compete with Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp and Ryan Reynolds in the category. On the TV side of things, Glee came out on top with seven nominations, including favorite network TV comedy and dual nods in both the favorite TV comedy actor (Chris Colfer and Cory Monteith) and actress categories (Lea Michele and Jane Lynch). Glee will face The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family and Two and a Half Men in the comedy category. The Vampire Diaries led the drama nominations with four, going up against The Good Wife, Grey's Anatomy, House and Supernatural in the favorite network TV drama category. Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev also scored nominations for drama actor and actress, respectively. Check out a full list of the nominees here.

Exclusive Glee Video: Watch Sebastian Hit on Blaine Right in Front of Kurt!

Darren Criss, Grant Gustin, Chris Colfer Who does this Sebastian think he is?! In TVGuide.com's exclusive first look at Tuesday's episode of Glee (Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox), Blaine (Darren Criss) will have an aggressive admirer in new Warbler Sebastian (Grant Gustin). Who is coming between Glee's Kurt and Blaine? Sebastian has a naughty proposal for Blaine, one he says that Kurt (Chris Colfer) doesn't have to know about. Too bad for him, Kurt arrives to see what's going on! The thing is, Sebastian doesn't seem to mind... Watch the clip below to see Sebastian change his proposal to be more, how shall we say, inclusive: What do you think? Is Sebastian good news or bad news for Klaine? Do they need to loosen up and do what Britney Spears suggests?

Pilot The Corrections Can Be A Go At Cinemax

With 2 Oscar individuals who win, Chris Cooper and Diane Wiest, already cast since the leads, it had been a no-brainer, nevertheless it’s now official: Cinemax’s drama pilot The Corrections is proceeding to production. The Noah Baumbach/Scott Rudin project, based on Jonathan Franzens book, requires the troubles from the senior citizens Midwestern couple (Cooper and Wiest), and their three adult children simply because they trace their lives within the mid-20th century to at least one last Christmas together near the turn in the millennium. Baumbach and Franzen co-written the variation, with Baumbach set to direct the pilot. The Two are executive creating with Rudin.

Beyonce Cancels Sweden Concert After Being Make the hospital

Beyonce Beyonce was expected to cancel a concert in Sweden on Monday after she was make the hospital for severe exhaustion, The Connected Press reviews. The "Umbrella" singer was considered "unableInch of undertaking and needed to Twitter to apologize to fans for requiring to cancel the Malmo concert last-minute. See the relaxation of current day news "Sorry to everyone had been launched to my show in Malmo, Sweden," she mentioned in the statement. "It will likely be an excellent time... so much better than being sick while using flu. Ugh! I'm really disappointed I possibly could 't be there." Beyonce is scheduled to complete in Stockholm on Tuesday evening.