Emmy Wrap-Up: The Surprises, The Show, The Parties, The Perks

September 19, 2011

Who would’ve predicted that Emmy favorite Alec Baldwin would remove himself from the proceedings, or that Charlie Sheen would use the occasion of the 63rd Primetime Emmy awards to try to redeem himself in front of his former bosses– and the industry at large? Or that the lead actor from the canceled drama “Friday Night Lights” would score a touchdown by stealing the statuette from front-runners Jon Hamm and Steve Buscemi?

 

Emmy night was by turns, unpredictable yet rock steady. Jane Lynch’s hosting abilities were just beginning to settle in when one of the most buzzworthy parts of the show took place. All of the lead comedy actress contestants got up on stage as if it were a beauty pageant– apparently, Amy Poehler’s idea. It was a big “gotcha” moment as she ran up when her name was announced as a nominee, quickly followed by all the other funny ladies– and as surprising when it was Melissa McCarthy who took the tiara, the roses and the Emmy award from her comedy sisters.

 

Between “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Amazing Race” predictably adding to their already sagging trophy shelves, the only question is what other show stands a chance in their respective categories.

Another given on Emmy night: after the show, it’s off to the parties, often beginning at the Governors Ball where a hall of theLos Angelesconvention center is transformed into a magnificent wonderland. Patina Group’s acclaimed chef Joachim Splichal designed the menu and for the sixth year, Beaulieu Vineyard returned as the Official Wine Sponsor and Grey Goose Vodka, the Official Spirits Sponsor, and designer of the evening’s signature cocktail called, what else, “The Emmy.” 

 

Boozing and schmoozing where the name of the game at parties all over the city, small and large, with another magnificent fete at the transformed Pacific Design Center for HBO and its many nominees and winners, who included Kate Winslet, Peter Dinklage and director Martin Scorsese.

All of the recently concluded “Entourage” cast were in attendance, buzzing about the planned upcoming theatrical film. “Too Big to Fail” stars William Hurt and James Woods worked the crowd, as did Alfre Woodard, Edgar Ramirez, Kathy Griffin, Juliana Margulies and William H. Macy. The entire cast of the five-time Emmy winning comedy “Modern Family” took over a section of the party for a huge celebration going late into the night.

A few days earlier, the Television Academy honored all of its performer nominees with a reception at the PDC catered by Wolfgang Puck, that feted talent including Elizabeth Moss and John Slattery from “Mad Men,” Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sofia Vergara from “Modern Family,” Melissa Leo, Martha Plimpton, Josh Charles, Johnny Galecki, Brenda Strong, Beau Bridges and Alan Cumming.

 

Networks and talent agencies, including Showtime and NBC also held pre-Emmy bashes, where all of their respective nominees were still winners in the mood was festive.

 

But on Emmy night, even for those without the golden accessory named Emmy, it was time to celebrate the best of television.

 

 

 

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Sublime Primetime: Emmy-Nominated Writers Dish About Their Scripts

September 15, 2011

In film, writers don’t get much glory, but in television, they’re all that—and even more so if they are up for a golden statuette named Emmy.

 

And so it was that a group of writers, most of them also showrunners of some of the top comedy and drama series on the tube–along with an acclaimed made for television movie– took the stage at the Writers Guild Theater to discuss their work before a full house.

 

Steve Levitan and Jeffrey Richman (Modern Family), Veena Sud (The Killing), Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights), Greg Daniels (The Office) and Peter Gould (Too Big to Fail) with moderator Mike Scully made the WGA West’s annual “Sublime Primetime” a bit of a laughfest from the get-go.

Scully asked Gould if he got pressure from HBO to add a vampire or have Turtle from “Entourage” stop by the drama about the financial meltdown of 2007-8, centering on William Hurt playing Hank Paulson.

Daniels discussed the challenges of writing Steve Carell’s exit from “The Office” and the impact of his departure on the staff. “I was stressed out about Steve leaving, and wondered how he would say goodbye,” Daniels admitted, noting that they got an extra six minutes for the finale.

“That seems like cheating for the Emmys,” Levitan interjected, and then went on with Richman to break down the story of their nominated script. One thread features kids walking in on their parents having sex—a subject of endless horror, and humor. Another focused on a guest spilling something on an expensive rug and trying to cover it up, which Richman admitted he did in real life.

Sudd talked about her instincts for “The Killing” coming from a dark place, honoring that, and knowing her show was cable-only. She also got some good-natured guff about being the only woman in a group of white guys.

Looking over the entire list of Primetime Emmy Award nominees, she doesn’t have much female company, only Heidi Thomas for “Upstairs Downstairs” on PBS as an individual nominee, Maria Jacquemetton for co-writing the “Blowing Smoke” episode of “Mad Men” and a few women in nominated staffs of shows including “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Now that’s kind of sad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Sheen Machine vs. Creative Arts Emmys: All Winning!

September 12, 2011

Even as Charlie Sheen was getting ready to be the brunt of barbs at Sony Pictures Studios during the taping of his Comedy Central roast, his nemesis, Chuck Lorre and former “Two and a Half Men” costar Jon Cryer were starting off the ceremonies at the 2011 Creative Arts Emmys Awards at the Nokia Theater.

 

And while one ceremony was honoring excellence in the television industry jobs –mainly below the line – the other was bent on mercilessly skewering the man who was once the highest-paid sitcom star on television before he went off the rails. A taste of the proceedings: “How much blow can Charlie Sheen do? Enough to kill two and a half men,” said Jon Lovitz. To which Sheen later replied, while touching his chest, “Here beats an eternal flame. I just need to keep it away from a crack pipe.”

 

In contrast to his previous vengeful name-calling during a meltdown that created a media frenzy, Sheen never mentioned Lorre by name, but drew a huge response when he told the studio audience, “I did what everyone in America wants to do. I told my boss to fuck off.”

 

Back at the Nokia, Lorre and Cryer lamely joked around about any casting issues on their show– saying they couldn’t recall any– before launching into the first of a staggering 75 awards that were handed out during the three-hour ceremony.

 

Both shows will be taped and edited, the Creative Arts Emmys for air on Saturday, September 17 on Reelz Channel (which rescued “The Kennedys” and already brought home some statuettes for its troubles) and the Sheen roast on Comedy Central on September 19th, purposefully airing against the season premiere of “Men,” which is sure to garner, um, epic ratings with Ashton Kutcher’s initial outing taking over the lead role from Sheen.

 

The CA Emmys gave a huge boost to several shows going into the Primetime Emmy Awards this coming Sunday, especially HBO’s lauded freshman series “Boardwalk Empire,” which won seven golden trophies, nearly half of the pay cabler’s leading 15 statuettes for the evening. PBS was second in total trophies with 10, with awards for “Freedom Riders” and “American Masters” among them.

 

And although he wasn’t there in person, it was a big night for Justin Timberlake, who received two Emmy awards, one as guest actor for his hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live,” as well as for co-writing the lyrics to the song he performed in his opening monologue.

 

The 75 categories honor everything from art direction, sound editing, sound mixing, makeup, hair styling, cinematography, special effects, nonfiction programming and variety and music specials, which “The Kennedy Center Honors” took home once again.

 

As for the miniseries “The Kennedys,” which Reelz picked up after the History Channel dumped it, it made an impressive showing by winning three technical Emmys.

 

Up against tough competition in animation category, “Futurama” took home the trophy, another milestone in the show’s resurgence.

 

It was perhaps somewhat bittersweet for John Walsh to receive the Governor’s Award for his work on “America’s Most Wanted,” a program that was recently dropped by Fox, where it began in the late 1980s after Walsh’s son Adam was murdered, but will find new life on Lifetime.

 

There were some nostalgic presenting pairs during the ceremony, including Mitzi Gaynor and Bob Mackie presenting, of course, the costume designing awards and Priscilla Presley with Steve Binder, who had worked on Elvis’s 1968 comeback special, a precursor to MTV’s “Unplugged.”

 

Jeff Probst was unstoppable. The host of “Survivor” won his fourth Emmy, meaning he’s nailed the statuette every single time he’s been nominated.

 

In a parallel universe, you might suspect Probst would have something to teach Sheen about surviving, but judging by his “Roast” appearance, in which he appeared healthy and in fine form, he seems to be doing just fine on that score. Must be the tiger blood.

 

 

 

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Bey-by! It’s the Best Moment at the 2011 VMAs

August 30, 2011

 

MTV’s Video Music Awards are known for generating zeitgeist pop culture moments– like Kanye West’s infamous onstage interruption of Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech in 2009– and this year’s edition was no exception.

The buzziest moment– which generated a record number of tweets, measured by Twitter at 8,868 per second– was pop singer Beyoncé’s big pregnancy reveal, unbuttoning her purple sequined jacket and rubbing her tummy at the end of her performance.

Despite coping with Hurricane Irene on the East Coast, ratings were record-breaking with 12.4 million viewers, making it MTV’s most watched telecast ever, according to the Nielsen Co., up 9% over last year’s show.

But what this show really lacked was a host to stitch together some of its big and unexpected moments, like Chris Brown’s Cirque du Soleil-esque performance, Britney Spears almost kissing in-drag Lady Gaga or Katy Perry’s peculiar cheesehead ornament.

The show started off with a bizarre monologue by Gaga as her male alter ego, a chain smoking Jo Calderone, with slicked back Jerseypompadour hair. It was hard to tell which direction that was going, making for a rocky opening. But props to Lady G for remaining in character all night without resorting to the insanely over-the-top get-ups she usually sports. Meat dress, anyone? Not this time, although Perry took up the slack by doing four costume changes.

Little-known actor/comedian Kevin Hart followed Calderone/Gaga at the top and during the not very funny monologue, continually made references to the fact that he wasn’t hosting, but if he did, he would say whatever he was saying differently. That went over like a lead balloon.

It soon became apparent that there would be no host after all, a departure from years past when personalities including Chris Rock, who was absolutely hysterical multiple times, to Jimmy Fallon, Dennis Miller, Ben Stiller, Jamie Foxx, Shawn and Marlon Wayans and last year, Chelsea Handler who handled the emcee duties.

But having a host-less show was not unprecedented. The VMAs, which date back to 1984 with inaugural hosts Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd, also went rudderless in 2007 and 2004.

With this year’s material including tributes to the recently departed Amy Winehouse and honoring Britney Spears with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the guiding hand of a host would’ve been appreciated. Not to mention laughs that might have ensued at appropriate moments.

 

Russell Brand, who received widespread exposure in theUnited Stateswhen he hosted the VMA’s in 2008 as a little-known comic and actor, and was brought back in 2009 to further acclaim, was obviously available.

As the high-profile husband of multiple nominee Perry and called upon to begin the Winehouse tribute with his reminiscences of her in London about which he’d written, Brand seem to rush through the rather poignant material, perhaps miffed that he didn’t get the hosting gig—or given a cue that the show was running long.

Still, it lurched along and provided other hot-button moments: Chris Brown’s aerial moves along with other performers during a medley of songs that unexpectedly included Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” West and Jay-Z taking the stage to perform. Adele’s emotional rendition of a song that wasn’t the lauded “Rolling in the Deep.” Young the Giant’s debut VMA appearance with a mosh pit crowd of fans from theirCaliforniahometown. Best new artist recipient Tyler the Creator, giving an expletive-filled acceptance speech geared toward kids. Gaga’s performance of “You and I,” for which she was joined by Queen guitarist Brian May.

In the end, it was the announcement of Bey’s bey-by that will be remembered. Yes, that unborn offspring of musical royalty was, to coin a Gaga phrase, born this way.

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Racism, Ratings and George Lopez’ Last Night on Late Night

August 11, 2011

 

Last Lopez, Tonight

 

The “baddest show in late night,” as host George Lopez called it, is now relegated to the history books. And if there is such a thing, the television business etiquette books, under the chapter of “How Not to Fire Your Cast and Crew.”

Could there have been any less respectful way for TBS to have made a major schedule change than by unceremoniously dumping George Lopez from his late-night perch with scarcely 36 hours notice?

Last night’s was the final episode of “Lopez Tonight” after two seasons on the cable network, per an abrupt announcement on Wednesday.

The comedian, who hit the airwaves at11 PMhis first year, graciously moved back tomidnightto make way for Conan O’Brien after O’Brien was booted from NBC’s “The Tonight Show”—with a lot more notice, and a nearly global media frenzy.

The two late-night hosts made a big play of working together during TBS’ upfront presentation to advertisers and industry executives this past May in New York.

Lopez, well-known yet often derided for his ethnic humor, termed them “Coco and Loco.”

TBS topper Steve Koonin was quoted as saying the cancellation was a business problem and that “Lopez Tonight” was an expensive show to sustain as it lost ratings, which was the ostensible reason for the booting.

Still, it’s highly unusual– not to mention disrespectful and unprofessional– that there would be so little notice given. It’s not just that Lopez that is losing his gig, but large numbers of staff members who work on the show, including musical director Michael Bearden and the house band, the Ese Vatos.

The network’s sparse statement distributed Wednesday morning read just this: “TBS has reached the difficult decision not to order a third season of Lopez Tonight. Thursday will be the final episode of the show. We are proud to have partnered with George Lopez, who is an immensely talented comedian and entertainer. TBS has valued its partnership with George and appreciates all of his work on behalf of the network, both on and off the air.”  It was attributed to simply “TBS Spokesperson,” who apparently has no name.

We haven’t heard the last of this. Critics in certain corners will be calling out Atlanta-based TBS as racist and there could be breach of contract lawsuits.

In his monologue Wednesday night, Lopez himself predictably joked that his ethnicity was the reason for his firing.

“Big news!” he said. “Sony just announced they’re doing a sequel to The Smurfs movie, so today I lost some work because I’m brown, but also I got some work because I’m blue.”

 

But during his final outing on TBS last night, Lopez expressed no bitterness and was all about the love for his crew, his friends Eva Longoria, Slash, Arsenio Hall, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher—all of whom appeared, and his fans.

 

Of course, there was some humor about the firing, delivered in the guise of the character called Creepy Little White Girl, who delivered increasingly bad news:  that Erik Estrada was being hired as the replacement, that there are not a lot of jobs for Latinos on TV, that a few of them involve whispering to dogs and that he was running out of show titles using his name.

 

“Thanks for reminding me,” said Lopez, as the band launched into a blistering rendition of Cee Lo Green’s “F— You.”

 

At the very end, after ordering cameras to shoot the audience so everyone could see how inclusive it was, the host could be seen with tears in his eyes as he proclaimed “Next year inJerusalem.”
Who is having the last laugh here? No one at “Conan” can be resting easy either, as its ratings have also taken a nosedive.

 

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Battle of the Network Parties

August 9, 2011

Breeziest red carpet ever: Fox's beachfront bash

 

It’s that time of year again when the television networks preview their fall programming for TV critics in a 10-day confab known as TCA Summer Press Tour, headquartered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

 

After the daily panel sessions– where critics watch clips and then hammer  executives, producers and show talent with questions– it’s time to party and, um, network some more.

Here is our rundown, and it being the television business, our rating of how the bashes stacked up, with a 5 Mojito award the top tier:

Fox

Where: Gladstone’s at the beach, Sunset and PCH

Star Power: Emmy host-to-be Jane Lynch, Jonah Hill, Charlie Day, Jaime Pressly, Kevin Reilly, Seth McFarlane, Lea Michelle, Danny DeVito, Paula Abdul, Cloris Leachman, Dylan McDermott, Zooey Deschanel, Nicole Scherzinger, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Christian Slater, Cory Monteith, Dianna Agron, Elijah Wood

Highlights: The thematic beach motif started at the Hilton with containers filled with seashells on ocean-blue tablecloths, then continued with the latticework red carpet, which, unlike the typical step-and-repeat, showcased the beautiful Pacific Ocean intermixed with the Fox logo.

The SBE group had quietly taken over this touristy hotspot last summer and the evidence of its upgraded cuisine was evident everywhere from the platters of raw seafood to the baked crab rolls being prepared by sushi chefs from Katsuya. An ice cream bar featured 21 flavors like sea salt caramel and cappuccino chip and there was a homemade lemonade stand serving up several flavors in Mason jars.

As for the bar–friendly, fast bartenders serve up your drinks of choice in plastic ware.

Rating: 4.5 Mojitos

                                        NBC Universal

Where: SLS Hotel

Star Power: Christina Applegate, Elle McPherson, Nick Lachey, Anna Kournikova, Chevy Chase, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Ed Helms, Kathryn Hahn, assorted Housewives, Ken Jeong, John Krasinski, Aimee Teegarden

Highlights: New NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt obviously pulled out all the stops– and the corporate checkbook– by buying out all the public areas of the hotel and going full-out with items featured on the four-star menu from Jose Andres’s Bazaar. Crowds gathered at the caviar bar where chefs painstakingly topped crème fraiche-filled miniature cones with the miniature eggs before moving on to sample from huge platters of paella and a buffet that featured an absolutely addictive guacamole-filled appetizer. A flip photo booth and temporary tattoos added to the fun. Some complained about long lines at the bar and how dark, crowded, hot and noisy it was. They were called party poopers. Others found those attributes very appealing–and realized that all the elements added up to a very special evening that announced: NBC is back, big time.

Rating: 4.8 Mojitos

Red carpet traffic jam at NBC’s SLS event
CBS transforms a parking lot rooftop

                                                  MTV
Where: Poolside at the Hilton

Star Power: Director Doug Liman, cast members of his new show “I Just Want My Pants Back,” Jake Busey and other castmates from the new animated series “Good Vibes,” plus Beavis and Butthead–kidding

Highlights: Hanging out by the pool on a warm summer’s eve heading into the sunset, a situation made more enjoyable by a killer raw bar loaded with oysters, mussels, shrimp and crab legs. If your fish fix wasn’t sated, there was the sushi bar featuring spicy tuna rolls, salmon, tuna and yellowtail. The downside: it started early and ended early.

Rating: 4 Mojitos

                                       CBS, the CW and Showtime

Where: Rooftop of the former Robinson’s May parking lot

Star Power: Emmy nominee Melissa McCarthy, Les Moonves & Julie Chen, Chris O’Donnell, Claire Danes, Emmy Rossum, Sela Ward, Kristen Bell, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Sarah Michelle Gellar, J.J. Abrams, Johnny Galecki, William Macy, Jason Segel, Kat Dennings, Rachel Bilson, Lisa Kudrow, Gary Sinise, Kevin Dillon, Patrick Wilson

Highlights: The area atop the parking structure was dominated by a festive, large red pagoda, and the food was Asian-themed: shrimp spring rolls, an array of dim sum and delicious glass noodles were on the menu, served from stands set up around the perimeter of the grounds. Downsides: porta-potties, no champagne or prosecco at the bar and if you don’t like Asian food, you were pretty much out of luck. But the homemade ice cream stand, where bars were hand-dipped in chocolate and rolled in toppings of your choice, was pretty sweet.

Rating: 3.5 Mojitos

                                           ABC

Where: Hilton Beverly Hills Ballroom

Star Power: Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Christina Ricci, Jennifer Morrison, Madeleine Stowe, Penny Johnson, Chad Lowe, Dana Delany, Elisha Cuthbert, Jeri Ryan, Cheryl Hines, Robert Carlyle, Benjamin Bratt, Brenda Strong, Teri Polo, James Denton

Highlights: As the last party ofTCA, it was a rather low-key affair in the hotel’s smaller ballroom. Specialty cocktails included Charlie’s Angels vodka, tonic and lime, Revenge martini and the Lying Game sparking punch. Guests lounged on white furniture as they dined on items from the carving station, the pasta bar and a selection of sushi. A photo booth put you in your choice of shows including Desperate Housewives and The View.

Rating: 3.5 Mojitos

 
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Sneak Preview of The Playboy Club: The Key to Your Fantasies?

August 3, 2011

Comparisons to “Mad Men” were brushed aside. The controversy over a Salt Lake City affiliate’s refusal to run the program were glossed over—because another station picked it up. The argument was set forth that the show is about women’s empowerment.

 

Those were the headlines from the NBC TCA panel on the network’s upcoming one-hour drama “The Playboy Club,” set to premiere Monday, September 19 at 10/9 Central.

 

Set in 1961 at Chicago’s Playboy Club, the provocative new series is certain to be one of the most scrutinized shows of the fall season. It’s already engendering controversy–and intrigue– well before its premiere.

 

“It’s the early ‘60s and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all your fantasies… and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its time” is how it’s being billed by NBC.

 

Starring Eddie Cibrian, Amber Heard, David Krumholtz and Laura Bernanti, “The Playboy Club” represents a risky foray for the network, a high-budget period drama, but one with a built-in brand name.

 

Yet seemingly denying some of the brand’s attributes, executive producer Ian Biederman told the audience of television critics gathered in the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom that the show was not racy or exploitive– and stressed the difference between Playboy magazine and the Playboy clubs.

 

“In terms of content, it will be mild. These are characters who are in a certain time and certain place. The show will be a lot of fun. It will have a ton of music and lots of energy,” he said, differentiating it from the noir aspects ofAMC’s critically acclaimed “Mad Men,” which takes place during the same early 1960s time period and doesn’t quite include elements of fun or music.

 

When questioned about the tagline “Men hold the key, women run the show,” the bunny costumes and whether they were intrinsically sexist, female cast members became defensive. One talked about how they were coached not to let their breasts rest on the table as they were serving customers– and then delved into a discussion about how bunnies are not centerfolds, while acknowledging that some bunnies became Playmates.

 

Biederman said Playboy bunnies were highly sought-after jobs at a time when women did not have many career choices, and very few highly-paid ones, and that they will be portrayed as intelligent and empowered women.

 

Cast member Naturi Naughton– who coincidentally has guest-starred on “Mad Men”– said her role as what she termed one of the few “chocolate [African-American] bunnies” was as a strong, ambitious, confident young woman.

 

The tension in the room was broken by castmate Jennifer Lewis, who said, “Someone has to have sex in the bathroom” before discussing her character as representing a big step up for black women coming off welfare.

 

Cibrian said he’s studied up on the period by looking at photos and reading books that describe the era, but that he did not have to look further than the streets of Chicago and witnessing how businessmen brashly treated waitresses in this day and age to inform his character.

 

“People smoke and drank, and didn’t think about the consequences,” he said, while discussing an era when mobsters, celebrities and politicians all rubbed shoulders.

 

Those interactions will be reflected in the show, set to a soundtrack of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Sammy Davis, Jr.

 

We already know someone gets murdered, but will Cibrian’s Nick Dalton be broadcast television’s Don Draper, the enigmatic man around whom everything else revolves?

 

We’re betting viewers in Salt Lake City, and everywhere else, will tune in to find out. And of course, for those iconic bunny costumes, worn by enlightened, empowered women making a good living.

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This is the Face of The Voice: Javier Breaks Through

July 1, 2011

Any one of the four finalists on NBC’s bangup freshman show “The Voice” could have taken the title. We thought Vicci Martinez, Dia Frampton and especially Beverly McClellan were each worthy of being the champion. But it was Javier Colon who took home a recording contract and $100,000 at the culmination of the hit music competition program–and bravo for him.

No matter the outcome, it was a thrilling conclusion to a 10-week season that brought the buzz – and the ratings – back to NBC after years of the Peacock network being in the cellar.

One of the fascinating elements of “The Voice” is that it hooked many people who had never been fans of music competition reality shows like “American Idol,” present company included. It has been said by several of the four coaches that the reason they took on the gig was that there would be no substandard talent allowed that they could trash and burn–someone like Idol’s William Hung or Sanjaya–who was better known for his hairstyle than his talent.

The formula worked, and viewers can see in the behind the scenes and rehearsal clips that each coach—Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera and their team developed mutual admiration in an environment conducive for artistic growth.

For a staged television show, the emotions that emerged seemed very real. There was no one whom you wanted to fail– no one who appeared to be an arrogant jerk who should get sent packing. Each contestant had a unique combination of talent and interesting backstory that made segments of the audience root for them. It was genuinely sad to see many of the finalists let go, particularly for their coaches, ensconced in their big, red powerful chairs.

Despite some internecine squabbling between Aguilera and Levine that originated on the show’s premiere and then spread from the pop diva to fellow coaches Green and Shelton, it only added to the fun.

Aguilera’s obsession in asking several of the male contestants to take off their pants may not have been exceptionally family-friendly, or within the bounds of good taste, but to whitewash the elements of attraction between the star performers and their protégés would have been inauthentic.

All this exposure is good for the careers these recording artists, especially Shelton—“Big Country” as Levine calls him, with whom many viewers that are not country fans were not aware. They have all reportedly signed deals to be back for the next season, although whether the three men will get a raise to match Xtina’s higher per-episode salary has not been publicly disclosed.

We will miss “The Voice,” which is slated in the prime slot after the Super Bowl on NBC in 2012. Its next edition is scheduled to return at midseason on Mondays from 8-10 p.m.

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True Blood’s Alan Ball Called it an Obscene Party, and He Meant That in a Good Way

June 22, 2011

One of the "Fangbangers in Training"

When we last left Sookie Stackhouse on “True Blood,” she had disappeared in a fairy flash. As season four of the hit HBO series begins anew, we find out exactly what happened to her. And part of it was pretty, before of course, it turned True Bloodian.

Okay, there will be some spoilers here. Sookie, now single after breaking up with Bill Compton, spent time with her fairy godmother in an idyllic place where time stands still and where she was also thrilled to meet up with her dead for 20 years grandfather, and take him back to Earth.

Turns out she’s been gone for more than a year in that place, and the people of Bon Temps had pretty much given up on her, except for one—who it turns out bought her house, which upset her no end.  We won’t spoil that one, as the episode’s finale brought out the shocking truth that could set our heroine on a new romantic path.

Creator Alan Ball told the packed audience for the premiere at the Cinerama Dome that he wanted to get through thanking a huge list of names, so everyone could get to what he called an “obscene” party.

And that it was: Fangtasia was re-created a few blocks away at the now defunct Social Hollywood. And God forbid that anyone in LA should walk several blocks, so there was shuttle service provided. Guests entered to find voodoo dolls and votives decorating the entryway. Bars staffed by people wearing True Blood T-shirts that said things like “Fangbanger in Training” served up the Tru Blood orange soda, and other more traditional libations. Bountiful buffets featured Louisiana-style menu items with some of the best baked potatoes ever and addictive biscuits, along with baked salmon, ribs, green beans and sliders.

Upstairs and down in the large nightclub space, various psychics and spiritual healers were on hand for a little real-life diversion into the spirit world.

The party banged on late into the night, but before the vampires were out for human blood.

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What do Annette Bening and Katie Holmes Have in Common, Aside from Star Husbands?

June 20, 2011

Warren Beatty was there, Tom Cruise wasn’t as their illustrious wives took center stage at the Women in Film 2011 Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills.

Hosted by Melissa McCarthy of “Bridesmaids” and the CBS hit show “Mike and Molly,” the gala event honored Annette Benning with the Crystal Award, Katie Holmes received the MaxMara Face of the Future Award, CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler, “How I Met Your Mother” director Pamela Fryman and cinematographer Reed Morano.

The memories of trailblazing women in entertainment industry were never far from hand as the entire evening was dedicated to producer Laura Ziskin. Ziskin created the television fundraiser “Stand up to Cancer” in response to her own diagnosis, produced the Academy Awards telecast in 2002 and 2007 and was producing the latest “Spider-Man” film, her fourth, when she died of breast cancer on June 12.

The evening had started off with McCarthy serenading Annette Bening and doing a funny spiel  thanking Tassler for hiring her in a rap that also gave a shout-out to Holmes, Fryman and Morano.

The incomparable Annette Bening, who last wowed filmgoers and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for her role as Nic in “The Kids Are All Right,” was the evening’s top honoree, taking the stage to a standing ovation after an introduction from Martin Sheen, who joked that it was difficult not being the president anymore, referring to his lengthy term on “The West Wing.”

“I feel like I’m entering a new phase and finding real internal freedom reflected in my work now,” she said, referring to a stellar career that includes “Bugsy,” “An American President,” “American Beauty”  and “Being Julia,” for which she also won a Golden Globe Award. Many people may not realize that one of her very first acting jobs was a bit part in the 1980s hit series “Miami Vice.”

It being a Women in Film event, Bening said it was only appropriate that she thinks her main man in film, husband Warren Beatty, who beamed his approval from the audience.

Holmes’ career started off in television before she moved into motion pictures, and then she became even better known Cruise’s wife and the mother of Suri. She’s making her mark again in TV with a recent role as Jacqueline Kennedy in the miniseries “The Kennedys.” She’ll next be seen in the thriller “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” opposite Guy Pearce and the film comedy “Jack and Jill” with Adam Sandler and Al Pacino.

In accepting the Face of the Future Award from the Italian design house MaxMara, which dressed many of the women for the show, Holmes thanked a team whose commitment to work and family has inspired her, including her husband.

The Lucy Award for Excellence in Television was first handed out in 1994– joining its sister, the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film, which was instituted in 1977. It is named after Lucille Ball and is presented in conjunction with her estate to those whose creative works follow in the footsteps of Ball’s extraordinary accomplishments, particularly in enhancing the perception of women through the medium of television.

Recipient Tassler was named president of CBS entertainment in September 2004, and it’s been an uphill ride ever since. Reporting to president and CEO Les Moonves, she never fails to give him credit for the Eye’s success, and her acceptance speech was no exception.

“I stand here as a representative of the gifted women I’m thrilled to work with every day,” said Tassler. “We’ve shared it all, from births to bar mitzvahs.” She talked about her upbringing, marching with her parents against the Vietnam War, and taking to heart their admonition to make a difference. Tassler, who oversees the network’s entertainment program for prime time, late-night and daytime as well as program development for all genres, concluded by urging women to continue to tell stories and reach for the stars.

As the director and executive producer of “How I Met Your Mother,” Pamela Fryman has guided the multi-camera show for six seasons. Cast member and recent Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris presented her with the directors award, introducing her as the “greatest person ever” and relating her generosity to the cast and crew.

The Dorothy Arzner Directors Award she accepted was named for the first female member of the DGA. In her speech, Fryman recalled starting out as a production assistant getting sandwiches for actor John Davidson and thinking that things didn’t get much better than that.

Cinematographer Reed Morano has been shooting documentaries, features, television series, commercials and music videos for the past 14 years, including the acclaimed  film “Frozen River,” which was nominated for two Academy Awards and seven Independent Spirit Awards. She is currently in preproduction on several features shooting this year.

In her acceptance speech, she cited several past winners of the Kodak Vision Award as inspirations to her, which include Joan Churchill, Mandy Walker, Petra Korner and Cynthia Pusheck.

The legendary Elizabeth Taylor was bestowed posthumously with Women in Film’s Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, which was accepted by her granddaughter Naomi Wilding. “She was an inspiration in using her celebrity to champion a cause,” Wilding said in lauding Taylor for her groundbreaking work in raising awareness and funds for AIDS research.

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