Mayans, miners vie for box office supremacy
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - It's likely to be a photo finish at the box office this weekend when three wide releases targeting adults -- "Blood Diamond," "Apocalypto" and "The Holiday" -- are sent out into the marketplace.
Insiders think the female-oriented "Holiday" could break from the pack, if only because the romantic levity of the Kate Winslet- Cameron Diaz vehicle offers an alternative to the blood and guts of "Blood Diamond" and "Apocalypto."
Warner Bros' Oscar hopeful "Diamond" centers on "conflict diamonds" -- those mined in a war zone and sold clandestinely to finance war. From director Edward Zwick ("The Last Samurai"), it stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a "Rhodesian" mercenary, and Djimon Hounsou as a fisherman who has hidden a rare pink diamond in the jungles of Sierra Leone.
The film tracks their quest to recover the stone. Jennifer Connelly co-stars as an American journalist looking to expose the profiteering diamond traders.
Mostly aiming to attract males, "Diamond" is hoping to broaden its appeal to women, but with talk of the film's violence, even DiCaprio's good looks and acting chops might not be enough to bring in the girls.
Extreme violence also is the lure and the deterrent surrounding Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto." Written, directed, produced and financed by Gibson before his public meltdown, "Apocalypto" has been lauded in early reviews for its sophisticated filmmaking and harrowing adventure. The R-rated film centers on the turbulent decline of the Mayan civilization and follows one man's will to survive to rescue his family.
With no name actors, the film is all about Gibson's moviemaking bravura, and its ultra-violent nature is sure to turn men on and women off. However, because of the curiosity surrounding the film, "Apocalypto" is sure to bring in audiences, and it will fight tooth and nail with "Diamond" for box office ranking.
And then there is "Holiday," from director Nancy Meyers, the queen of romantic comedies. The PG-13 film, also starring Jude Law and Jack Black, centers on an American woman with man problems who trades houses with a British woman experiencing similar issues. Columbia Pictures is hoping for a repeat performance from Meyers, who in December 2003 grossed $125 million for the studio with "Something's Gotta Give," which opened to $16 million.
Warners will also open the family-oriented "Unaccompanied Minors," which the studio hopes will be a holiday success in the vein of the 1990 hit "Home Alone."
Based on essayist Susan Burton's true-life story, which she told on NPR's "This American Life" to host Ira Glass, the film revolves around a group of kids who create their own holiday when they become snowed in without supervision at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Lewis Black and Wilmer Valderrama co-star. Paul Feig directed.
Hayek tops best nude scenes of '06
Sure, Jennifer Aniston took a nude walk through an apartment building, but it was Salma Hayek's covorting in the water with Colin Farrell that won Mr. Skin's love for 2006.
As people start bundling up as the mercury drops, Mr. Skin has compiled his Top 10 picks for the year's best scene in which actresses took it off. Topping his list of the topless was Hayek in "Ask the Dust."
Hayek, who caused boiling water cooler talk the next day after her brassiered appearance on "Ugly Betty," gave it all up on screen for "Ask the Dust," a Depression-era drama that ... well, never mind that. The bottom line is that Hayek skinny dips with Colin Farrell and then bares all for a follow-up sex scene.
The usually blonde Gretchen Mol won second place recognition for taking chances as the brunette star of "The Notorious Bettie Page," playing the titular pin-up model and fetish queen. Numerous "artistic" poses abound, including a yuletide one to get viewers in the mood this holiday season.
The remainder of the Top 10 follows:
3. Brittany Daniel in "Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders" - This straight-to-DVD release shows the "Joe Dirt" actress in a menage a trois and some tub soaking.
4. Bai Ling in "Edmond" - She gives William H. Macy and the viewers an eyeful at a peep show.
5. Jennifer Aniston in "The Break-Up" - Rent the full-screen version for more of her butt during her windy walk.
6. Barbara Nedeljakova in "Hostel: Unrated Version" -You get your pick of five actresses who show skin in this film, but Barb had Mr. Skin's vote for her sex and sauna scenes.
7. Kelly Brook in "Survival Island" - A woman, her husband and their manservant engage in lots of outdoor action.
8. Kyra Sedgewick in "Loverboy" - Kevin Bacon directs his wife getting it on in the library and in various other scenes. Bonus footage of Marisa Tomei in a bath.
9. Amanda Righetti in "Angel Blade" - Shot in 2002, but released to DVD this year, this "O.C." guest star plays a stripper who likes sex and showering.
10. Lauren Lee Smith in "Lie With Me" -Alone, with a partner, with a partner and an audience ... she just likes getting nude.
Mr. Skin and his team of "skinvestigators" view all non-adult titles for their nudity content and rates them on their "skintensity." The celluloid skin expert is also known for his Anatomy Awards, which honored Anne Hathaway for 2005's best nude scene in her straight-to-DVD film "Havoc."
49th GRAMMY Nominees Announced
Nominations for the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced Thursday by The Recording Academy, reflecting a year in which multiple genres were represented in top categories, new up-and-comers were nominated alongside established artists and a diverse array of producers and other creative professionals garnered multiple nominations.
The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 11, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
The press event was held at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood and was attended by national and international media, as well as key music industry executives. Artists reading nominations this morning included Mary J. Blige, James Blunt, Chris Brown, Evanescence's Amy Lee, Ludacris, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rascal Flatts, Justin Timberlake and KT Tunstall.
Mary J. Blige tops the nominations with eight, while Red Hot Chili Peppers garner six, James Blunt, the Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Danger Mouse, Prince, Rick Rubin, will.i.am and John Williams each earn five nods. Beyoncé, Bryan-Michael Cox, Gnarls Barkley, Israel Houghton, T.I and Justin Timberlake receive four each.
"These nominations truly reflect a diverse and vibrant community of music makers and creators who represent some of the most remarkable music of the year," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow. "Once again, the GRAMMY Awards process has delivered a well-rounded group of excellent nominees, which promises music lovers a spectacular show filled with dynamic performances and 'GRAMMY Moments' that can only be seen on the GRAMMY Awards telecast."
In the General Field, nominees for Album Of The Year are Taking The Long Way by the Dixie Chicks, St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley, Continuum by John Mayer, Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and FutureSex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake. Nominees for Record Of The Year are "Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige), "You're Beautiful" (James Blunt), "Not Ready To Make Nice" (Dixie Chicks), "Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley) and "Put Your Records On" (Corinne Bailey Rae). The Best New Artist nominees are rock troubadour James Blunt, R&B singer Chris Brown, British singer/songwriter Imogen Heap, neo-soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae and country singer Carrie Underwood.
This year's Song Of The Year nominees represent multiple genres from pop to R&B to country. Nominated songwriters include Johnta Austin, Mary J. Blige, Bryan-Michael Cox and Jason Perry for "Be Without You" (performed by Blige); Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson for "Jesus, Take The Wheel" (performed by Carrie Underwood); Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison and Dan Wilson for "Not Ready To Make Nice" (performed by the Dixie Chicks); John Beck, Steve Chrisanthou and Corinne Bailey Rae for "Put Your Records On" (performed by Rae); and James Blunt, Amanda Ghost and Sacha Skarbek for "You're Beautiful" (performed by Blunt).
Earning five of her eight nominations in the R&B Field, Mary J. Blige dominates the Field. Among her nods, in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category she earned a nomination for "Be Without You," along with Beyoncé ("Ring The Alarm"), Mariah Carey ("Don't Forget About Us"), Natalie Cole ("Day Dreaming") and India.Arie ("I Am Not My Hair"). In the Best R&B Album category, her Breakthrough album vies with Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable; India.Arie's Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship; Prince's 3121; and Lionel Richie's Coming Home. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals nods go to George Benson & Al Jarreau for "Breezin'"; Jamie Foxx featuring Mary J. Blige for "Love Changes"; Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas for "Everyday (Family Reunion)"; John Legend & Joss Stone with Van Hunt for "Family Affair" (Sly & The Family Stone); and Prince & Támar for "Beautiful, Loved And Blessed."
In the Pop Field, nominations for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal went to the Black Eyed Peas for "My Humps"; Death Cab For Cutie for "I Will Follow You Into The Dark"; the Fray for "Over My Head (Cable Car)"; Keane for "Is It Any Wonder?"; and the Pussycat Dolls for "Stickwitu." Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals nods go to Tony Bennett & Stevie Wonder for "For Once In My Life"; Mary J. Blige & U2 for "One"; Sheryl Crow & Sting for "Always On Your Side"; Nelly Furtado & Timbaland for "Promiscuous"; and Shakira & Wyclef Jean for "Hips Don't Lie." And the nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album include Back To Basics by Christina Aguilera, Back To Bedlam by James Blunt, The River In Reverse by Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint, Continuum by John Mayer, and FutureSex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Raconteurs, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Neil Young earned nominations in the Rock Field. Vying for Best Rock Album are the John Mayer Trio's Try!; Tom Petty's Highway Companion; the Raconteurs' Broken Boy Soldiers; Red Hot Chili Peppers' Stadium Arcadium; and Neil Young's Living With War. Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal nominees are Coldplay with "Talk," the Fray for "How To Save A Life," the Raconteurs for "Steady, As She Goes," Red Hot Chili Peppers for "Dani California" and U2 & Green Day for "The Saints Are Coming." And Best Rock Solo Vocal Performance nominees are Beck ("Nausea"), Bob Dylan ("Someday Baby"), John Mayer ("Route 66"), Tom Petty ("Saving Grace") and Neil Young ("Lookin' For A Leader").
In the Rap Field, Missy Elliott competes with male rappers in the Best Rap Solo Performance category with "We Run This." Other nominations in this category are "Touch It" by Busta Rhymes, "Kick, Push" by Lupe Fiasco, "Undeniable" by Mos Def and "What You Know" by T.I. In the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, nominations go to Akon featuring Eminem ("Smack That"), Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z ("Deja Vu"), Eminem featuring Nate Dogg ("Shake That"), Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris ("Unpredictable") and Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. ("My Love").
The Dixie Chicks earn two of their five nominations in the Country Field. In the Best Country Album category, their Taking The Long Way is nominated along with Like Red On A Rose by Alan Jackson, The Road To Here by Little Big Town, You Don't Know Me: The Songs Of Cindy Walker by Willie Nelson and Your Man by Josh Turner. For Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal, the Dixie Chicks' "Not Ready To Make Nice" is up against the Duhks' "Heaven's My Home," Little Big Town's "Boondocks," Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts The Most" and the Wreckers' "Leave The Pieces." Nods for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals go to Bon Jovi & Jennifer Nettles for "Who Says You Can't Go Home," Solomon Burke & Dolly Parton for "Tomorrow Is Forever," Kenny Rogers & Don Henley for "Calling Me," Rhonda Vincent & Bobby Osborne for "Midnight Angel" and Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks for "Love Will Always Win."
This year's Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, nominations reflect established professionals across multiple genres with nods going to Howard Benson, T Bone Burnett, Danger Mouse, Rick Rubin and will.i.am.
In the newly re-named Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album category, the nominations are Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 by Jackson Browne; Black Cadillac by Rosanne Cash; Workbench Songs by Guy Clark; Modern Times by Bob Dylan; and All The Roadrunning by Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris.
Best Jazz Vocal Album nominees are Footprints by Karrin Allyson, Easy To Love by Roberta Gambarini, Live At Jazz Standard With Fred Hersch by Nancy King, From This Moment On by Diana Krall and Turned To Blue by Nancy Wilson.
The Best Gospel Performance category features nominees Yolanda Adams ("Victory"), Israel & New Breed ("Not Forgotten"), Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers ("The Blessing Of Abraham"), Chris Tomlin ("Made To Worship") and Tye Tribbett & G.A. ("Victory"). Vying for Best Traditional Gospel Album are An Invitation To Worship by Byron Cage, Paved The Way by the Caravans, Still Keeping It Real by the Dixie Hummingbirds, Alive In South Africa by Israel & New Breed and Finalé Act One by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers.
GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed to the voting members of The Recording Academy on Dec. 13. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 10, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the telecast.
The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions in association with Ken Ehrlich Productions for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Walter C. Miller is producer/director, Tisha Fein is the coordinating producer, David Wild is the writer, and Tzvi Small is supervising producer.
For a full list of 49th GRAMMY Awards nominees, please click here.