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 01.10.08

Millions tune in for "Zoey 101" finale.

More than 7 million people tuned in to watch Jamie Lynn Spears on the finale of her show, "Zoey 101." Viewers had their eyes glued to Nickelodeon last Friday for the final hourlong program. It was apparently the most watched episode in the show's history. This comes just weeks after 16 year old Spears announced she was pregnant. The fourth season of "Zoey 101" has already been filmed and will go on as planned in February.

Hollywood is mourning the loss of the man known as their honorary mayor. Johnny Grant was found dead last night at his home in southern California. It appears he passed away from natural causes. He was 84. Grant was once a radio personality and TV producer, but he's best known for chairing the committee that chose stars for the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Vince Vaughn says he and ex Jennifer Anniston are still buddies. The actor tells Parade magazine they still talk and have a great friendship. He also emphasized his appreciation for Anniston as a person. The pair broke up more than a year ago after a year and a half of dating. Vaughn says in relationships it's very important for him to appreciate the small stuff and laugh a lot.

Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes hit the town last night for the premiere of "Mad Money." Cruise was at the event to support his wife...who stars in the film. The couple appeared playful and affectionate as they made it down the red carpet. Also starring in the movie are Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton. It's about three Federal Reserve employees plotting to steal a large amount of money. "Mad Money" is scheduled for a U.S. release next Friday.

"Charlie Wilson's War" has made it's way to the U.K. The film's star Tom Hanks was in London last night for the European premiere of the drama. The director Mike Nichols attended the event as well. "Charlie Wilson's War" also stars Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's about a Texas Congressman's work assisting Afghani rebels. It premiered in the U.S. last month.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.18.07

Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon may divorce.

Pamela Anderson and Rick Saloman may be calling it quits after two months of marriage. The former "Baywatch" star apparently filed for divorce last week citing irreconcilable differences. But there are signs that they could be trying to repair those differences. They were apparently spotted shopping together over the weekend. The actress also posted a note on her website saying " P.S. We're working things out." The couple married in Las Vegas in early October. It was the third marriage for both of them.

Late night talk show hosts Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno are going back on the air...without their writers. NBC announced yesterday that "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" will start new shows again on January 2. This comes in the middle of the ongoing Writer's Guild strike. The hosts say they've decided to head back to work to save the jobs of the show's employees.

"Heroes" star Ali Larter is engaged. The actress' rep says she and boyfriend, actor Hayes MacArthur made it official over the weekend. Her rep added the two are "thrilled." Larter recently talked about how she was madly in love with him and knew she wanted to marry him after only 3 weeks.

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt has been named the year's most influential kid by Forbes magazine. The daughter of Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, took the top spot on the list. Just below her is Suri Cruise, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. And another Pitt Jolie daughter made the list...Zahara grabbed the third spot.

Will Smith's new film "I am Legend" has made its way to France. The actor attended the premiere of the sci-fi thriller in Paris yesterday. Producer Akiva Goldsman and director Francis Lawrence joined him at the event. "I am Legend" is about a man who survives an incurable plague. It was number one at U.S. box offices over the weekend.