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 12.11.07

Regis Philbin to host Oscar pre-show.

Regis Philbin is reclaiming his role on the red carpet at the upcoming Academy Awards. Philbin will apparently host the half hour red carpet pre-show in February...just as he did 30 years ago. He has a history of hosting morning talks shows and is currently known for his post on "Live With Regis and Kelly." Oscar nominations are set to be announced next month and the awards ceremony will air on ABC on February 24.

Amy Winehouse says she hopes to attend this years' Grammy Awards. Her spokesperson tells People magazine she's "determined" to turn up for the event. The singer is nominated for six awards including best new artist and best song for "Rehab." Winehouse has made headlines recently...with reports of alcohol and drug use as well as some odd behavior. Her mom recently made a public plea for her to get help.

Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are combining forces for a new film. The two attended the premiere of their new drama "Charlie Wilson's War" In Los Angeles. The director of the film, Mike Nichols was there along with his wife, TV correspondent Diane Sawyer. The movie is about Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson and his efforts with rebels in Afghanistan. It hits most U.S. theaters December 21.

Leonardo DiCaprio was honored at this years' Marrakesh Film Festival in Morocco. Martin Scorsese, who's collaborated with the actor for many films presented him with the Golden Star Award. Scorsese has directed movies starring DiCaprio like "The Departed" and "Aviator." He called him a quote "very good friend and wonderful actor." Director Shekhar Kapur who directed "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" also received a Golden star for his contribution to film.

British stars Rupert Everett and Colin Firth are gearing up for the release of their new film. They star in the comedy "St. Trinians"...a film about a school for girls. It premiered in London last night. Gemma Arterton is also in the movie as well as Amara Karan. The film hits British theaters December 21.