UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.22.08

Oscar nominees announced.

Oscar nominations are in. Nominees were announced this morning in Los Angeles. Up for best actress are Julie Christie for "Away From Her," Marion Cotillard for "La Vie En Rose," Ellen Page for "Juno," Cate Blanchett for her role in "Elizabeth: the Golden Age," and Laura Linney for "Savages." In the Best Actor Category Daniel Day-Lewis grabbed a nod for "There Will be Blood," George Clooney is nominated for "Michael Clayton," Johnny Depp for "Sweeney Todd," Tommy Lee Jones for "In the Valley of Elah," and Viggo Mortenson for "Eastern Promises."And rivaling for best picture are "Atonement,""Micahel Clayton," "Juno", "No Country For Old Men," and "There Will be Blood."

In other news, Kiefer Sutherland is now a free man. The "24" star was released from jail yesterday after 48 days there. He was serving time for a second driving under the influence conviction and violating his probation. He was apparently greeted by a swarm of media when he left the California facility. Sources say he looked very happy to be out.

Britney Spears made an appearance at a custody deposition yesterday. She drove to her ex Kevin Federline's attorney's office to attend the session, although apparently arrived late. The singer was reportedly cross examined for more than 2 hours. It's all part of the ongoing custody battle for their two sons two year old Sean Preston and one year old Jayden James. Spears has missed several other appointments to discuss her parenting skills.

John Travolta is backing his buddy Tom Cruise. Travolta says the media attention focused on Cruise lately has gone too far. The "Mission Impossible" star has made the headlines recently after a video was released on the internet, showing Cruise praising the Church of Scientology. Travolta, who also follows Scientology, tells people magazine everyone has a right to practice what they want.

Stars are out in full force at the Sundance Film Festival. Paris Hilton was spotted at the festival, in the middle of all the action as well as director Quentin Tarantino. Sarah Jessica Parker brought her husband Matthew Broderick to the premiere of her film "Smart People." Dennis Quaid, who also stars in the film was at the event with his wife Kimberly. Other stars like Jack Black and musician Mos Def attended the premiere of their film "Be Kind Rewind" along with actor Danny Glover.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.17.08

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds' marriage ends.

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds are calling it quits just two weeks after their wedding. In a joint statement the pair tell People magazine they've decided to "forego a legal ceremony." The actor and film executive had a wedding ceremony near Bora Bora New Years Day, but because it was not in the U.S., it wasn't official. Edmonds and Murphy say they've now decided just to stay friends.

Jenna Bush is reportedly planning a spring wedding. Sources tell People magazine the President's daughter will marry Henry Hager on May 10. One source says the ceremony will take place at President Bush's Crawford, Texas Ranch. She's apparently already picked her bridesmaids. Bush and Hager were engaged last August.

The cast of "Mad Money" rang in the opening bell at the NASDAQ yesterday. Katie Holmes, Queen Latifah, and Diane Keaton were all in New York for the special occasion. It's all part of the promotion for their new film. "Mad Money" is about 3 federal reserve employees trying to steal money. It also stars Ted Danson and Adam Rothenberg. The movie hits theaters tomorrow.

"Atonement" is getting high praise from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. It grabbed 14 BAFTA nominations including best film, best lead actress for Keira Kightley and best actor for James McAvoy. The film's director Joe Wright and screenwriter Christopher Hampton also earned nods. The awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on February 10.

Stars are preparing for the release of a new sci-fi thriller. Lizzy Caplan and Jessica Lucas attended the LA premiere of their new film "Cloverfield" last night. Actress Lindsay Lohan also stepped out into the spotlight for the special screening. The movie is about a monster attack taking place in New York. "Cloverfield" is heading to theaters tomorrow.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.14.08

"Atonement" and "Sweeney Todd" honored at Golden Globes.

"Sweeney Todd" and "Atonement" took big honors at last night's Golden Globe Awards. "Sweeney Todd" grabbed best comedy or musical and the film's star Johnny Depp won best actor. "Atonement," starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy picked up best motion picture. Other winners include Marion Coitillard who took best female actress in a comedy or musical for "La Vie En Rose." In the drama category, Julie Christie won for "Away From Her" and Daniel Day Lewis best actor for his performance in 'There will be blood.'

In the TV category, Tina Fey grabbed best actress in a comedy for "30 Rock" and David Duchovny took best comedic actor for "Californication" For Drama, Jon Hamm won best actor for "Mad Men" and best actress went to Glenn Close for "Damages." "Extras" starring Ricky Gervais took best comedy series and "Man Men" took best dramatic series. Because of the ongoing writer's guild strike, this year's awards were announced at a televised press conference.

In other news, Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman are now parents. The singer gave birth to a healthy boy on Saturday. His name is Max Liron Bratman. Aguilera's rep says both mom and baby are happy and healthy. In a message on her website, the singer said it was a joyful day for her and Bratman. She also thanked her fans for all their support.

Another celebrity couple has a new addition to their family. Reality TV star Nicole Richie and Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden now have a baby girl. Richie gave birth on Friday. Her name is Harlow Winter Kate Madden. Madden tells People magazine they feel blessed.

Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson's new film topped U.S. box offices over the weekend. "The Bucket List" took the number one spot at the theaters, bringing in more than 19 million dollars in ticket sales. "First Sunday" with Ice Cube and Tracey Morgan debuted at second. And in third is "Juno" starring Ellen Page and Michael Cera.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.14.07

"Atonement" leads Golden Globe nominations.

Golden Globe nominations are in. Hayden Panettiere, Ryan Reynolds and Quentin Trantino announced nominees yesterday. The romantic film "Atonement" led the way with 7 nods total including best picture. The movie's stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy grabbed nominations in the best acting categories. Another big nominee was "Charlie Wilson's War"....which is in the running for best picture. The film's stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are also up for acting honors.

In the TV category, the FX series "Damages" and HBO's "Longford" led the way with 4 nominations each. ABC's new series "Pushing Daisies" also did well...nominated for best comedy series and the show's star Lee Pace grabbed a nod for best lead actor in a comedy. Others like Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell will compete with him in that category. Nominees in the best comedy actress category include Christina Applegate, Tina Fey and last year's winner America Ferrera.

Madonna and John Mellancamp are among the big stars headed to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Those artists, along with Leonard Cohen, The Ventures and The Dave Clark Five will be inducted in the famous museum in New York in March. The Hall of fame recognizes those in the music industry who've made a significant impact on U.S. culture.

Actors George Clooney and Don Cheadle are being recognized for their work in Darfur. They were presented this year's Men of Peace Award in Rome yesterday. Clooney and Cheadle were honored by a group of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates for their work in spreading awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the Sudanese region. In Clooney's acceptance speech he reminded the audience that there's a lot of work to be done promoting peace in Darfur, and they want to give voices to those who would otherwise not be heard.

Big stars hit the red carpet last night for the premiere of a new adventure film. Nicholas Cage and Diane Kruger attended the screening of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" in New York last night. The two star in the movie, as well as Jon Voight and Justin Bartha. The producer and director Jerry Bruckheimer also attended the event. "National Treasure" comes to theaters December 21.