BEVERLY HILLS—There were a lot of big breaking stories this week in Hollywood. I intended to follow up with Dr. Sophy’s advice to famous parents this week, but we’ll have to do so in our next issue. This week mad Mel Gibson was overheard on up to four tapes now being released like a radio serial, Switzerland proved it is far from the seat of civilization with their refusal to extradite an admitted child rapist, while famed attorneys Robin Sax and Gloria Allred speak with Canyon News about this decision. Also, we can’t forget the Emmy nominations that were released last week and a lot more news in Hollywood.
Starting off with the biggest news on TV last week, my childhood friend and one of my favorite actresses, Lauralee Bell, returned on Thursday to the number-one rated daytime show for 21 years, “The Young and the Restless.” Lauralee’s parents created “Y&R” as well as “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Since her initial departure from “Y&R” several years ago, Lauralee has become a director, producer and creator of a series herself. “Family Dinner,” which stars Lauralee, Phyllis Diller and Oscar-winner Cloris Leachman is an Internet sensation. Be sure to watch Lauralee this week on the hit show, written and produced by the acclaimed Maria Arena Bell. Then following “Y&R,” on Monday’s episode of “B&B,” after hearing Brooke’s (Kelly Lang) emotional confession, Ridge (Ronn Moss) confronts Oliver (Zac Conroy) with flying fists and a serious threat.
Steffy (Jacqueline MacInness Wood) is forced to deal with the consequences of her wicked ways. These two CBS soaps are blowing away the competition this summer.
Speaking of competition, the 2010 Emmy season for primetime shows is now officially underway. This year it’s HBO Television’s to lose. Sure, primetime hit “Glee” is nominated 19 times. However, my favorite show, which I have been raving about for months now, “The Pacific” received 24 nominations, including Outstanding Miniseries, two for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (David Nutter and Jeremy Podeswa; Tim Van Patten) and two for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Michelle Ashford and Robert Schenkkan; Bruce C. McKenna and Robert Schenkkan).
Other nominations are as follows:
Fifteen nominations for “Temple Grandin,” including Outstanding Made for Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (Claire Danes), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (David Strathairn), two for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (Catherine O’Hara, Julia Ormond), Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Mick Jackson) and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Christopher Monger, William Merritt Johnson).
Fifteen nominations for “You Don’t Know Jack,” including Outstanding Made for Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (Al Pacino), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (John Goodman), two for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro), Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Barry Levinson) and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Adam Mazer).
Five nominations for “The Special Relationship,” including Outstanding Made for Television Movie, two for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (Dennis Quaid, Michael Sheen), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (Hope Davis) and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Peter Morgan).
Five nominations for “True Blood,” including Outstanding Drama Series.
Five nominations for “The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert,” including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special (Joel Gallen).
Four nominations for “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Larry David).
Three nominations for “Big Love,” including two for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Mary Kay Place, Sissy Spacek).
Three nominations for “By the People: The Election of Barack Obama,” including Outstanding Nonfiction Special and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Amy Rice, Alicia Sams).
Three nominations for “Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction,” including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special.
Two nominations for “Bill Maher”¦But I’m Not Wrong,” including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special (Bill Maher).
Two nominations for “Real Time with Bill Maher,” including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series (Adam Felber, Matt Gunn, Brian Jacobsmeyer, Jay Jaroch, Chris Kelly, Bill Maher, Billy Martin, Jonathan Schmock, Danny Vermont, Scott Carter).
Two nominations for “Teddy: In His Own Words,” including Outstanding Nonfiction Special.
Two nominations for “Treme,” including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Agnieszka Holland).
Two nominations for “Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me,” including Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special (Wanda Sykes).
Other HBO nominees include “Avatar: Enter the World of Pandora,” “Bored to Death,” “Capturing Mary,” “A Dog Year,” “Entourage,” “Hung,” “The Ricky Gervais Show,” “Sergio” and “Terror in Mumbai.”
Next week I’ll give my predictions for the winners in all of the categories, but this week, credit needed to be given to HBO for their astonishing 101 Primetime Emmy® nominations, the most of any network for the 10th year in a row, for the upcoming 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards®, which were announced today in Los Angeles.
The Primetime Emmy® Awards will be announced on August 29.
Congratulations to Carrie Underwood and Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz, who both married the men they love recently. Underwood, who married Mike Fisher, is on the cover of People magazine this week in her wedding gown, and Penelope married Oscar-winner and longtime boyfriend Javier Bardem earlier this month in the Bahamas at a friend’s estate.
Biopic news! The unauthorized biography on Oprah Winfrey is being shopped around as a fall film, also Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s love story is also in the works. Award-winning filmmaker Mike Nichols is being rumored to be the director, and those who could be possible stars include Russell Crowe as Burton, and Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones as possible candidates for the role as Dame Elizabeth.
Mel Gibson’s career and life could not be any dimmer. Luckily the billionaire won’t have to work again in order to live well. Famed talent agency William Morris in Beverly Hills dropped the actor/filmmaker from their client list this week and as if it was shocking enough that Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston were a couple again, was the news that four tapes have been released with Gibson using every racial epithet known to man and his hatred for women could not be defended by his longtime friend Whoopi Goldberg who declared, “I don’t believe he’s a racist.” Whoopi previously defended another infamous filmmaker, Roman Polanski, who got a get out of jail card this week from Switzerland. Note, I did not say get out of jail free. You read between the lines.
A 16-year-old alleged victim of Polanski, Charlotte Lewis, told Canyon News on Monday, “I am shocked and disappointed that the Swiss authorities have decided not to extradite Roman Polanski to the United States. The Swiss decision sends the wrong message to others who have committed a sexual crime against children. It is my feeling that if Roman Polanski was not a famous film director that it is highly likely that he would have been extradited.”
On Thursday I spoke with famed attorney Gloria Allred, who represents Lewis but is not seeking any damages, she simply wanted to tell her story so that the judge in the Polanski case would know of her story. Ms. Allred had very harsh words for the Swiss government: “The Swiss authorities should be ashamed of themselves, although I doubt that they are…Their arguments have as many holes as Swiss cheese. For years the Swiss have been infamous for hiding the bank records and assets of those who want to avoid paying taxes and those who wish to avoid criminal inquiries regarding their financial matters in the United States. It appears now the Swiss have expanded their shelter of wrongdoers to a convicted sexual predator.”
Famed L.A. attorney Robin Sax, who also is a well respected attorney who battles for victim’s rights, tells Canyon News, “I think this is a terrible excuse for justice. It’s really unfortunate that Switzerland tried to get into the merits of the case instead of letting Polanski address those in the California court. But the biggest impact on victims is not so much the Swiss decision as it is Samantha Geimer’s (the original victim who was allegedly raped by Polanski when she was 13) decision not to prosecute. Even she has a right both legally and morally not to participate in the criminal justice system and prosecution. She really missed the opportunity to be a leader in victims rights and advocacy. By not participating, she gave the Swiss extra incentive not to extradite, which essentially has allowed a child rapist to go free.”
On to some positive news. I’m in Mason City, Iowa, this weekend for the release of Henry Jaglom’s film “Queen of the Lot,” which stars not only yours truly, but Tanna Frederick, David Proval and Noah Wyle, as well as other very distinguished and talented actors. Look for an update on my trip to the Midwest next week.
Be sure to check out “True Blood” on Sunday night; “The Bold and the Beautiful” on Monday, when Brooke’s sexual affair with daughter’s boyfriend Oliver comes to light with Ridge; and then don’t forget to watch my friend Lauralee Bell as Christine on “Y&R.” Two of the hottest storylines of the summer are about to explode on the two soaps.
See you next week and stay cool and safe! XOXO
Photograph Courtesy: David James/HBO
DISCLAIMER: This article was a contribution made by an outside agency or person. The content has not been verified by Canyon News. Please exercise your due diligence prior to relying on this article for factual information. Canyon News is not responsible for the views, words, and opinions of contributors.
