Some breaking news in Hollywood. Ashton Kutcher has finalized a deal to replace the temperamental Charlie Sheen on the hit CBS TV sitcom, “Two and a Half Men,” according to deadline.com  For a while, British actor, Hugh Grant, was the front runner for the job, but that plan did not work out.

Deadline.com has more on this story and the behind the scenes developments that had a number of actors as contenders to join the “Two and a Half Men” cast.

“Thor” hammered the competition into submission at the box office this weekend. The superhero action flick debuted with an estimated $66 million to become the number one film in the country.

“Thor” is based on the Marvel comic book hero who is punished for his arrogance by being banished from his mythical homeland of Asgard and sent to Earth. The cast includes Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins.

Last week’s top movie, “Fast Five,” put the pedal to the metal, but managed only second place this time. “Fast Five” generated around $32.5 million for a two week total of $139.5 million.

Two new romantic comedies battled it out for third place, and it appears “Jumping the Broom” has won that skirmish. The film, about two families from different socioeconomic backgrounds who clash during a wedding weekend on Martha’s Vineyard, beat expectations and earned about$13.7 million.

“Jumping the Broom,” the title comes from the African American tradition of a couple jumping over a broom as part of the marriage ceremony, is a small film. The budget reportedly around $7 million. Nevertheless, it looks like this little movie is going to beat the odds and make a nice profit. Laz Alonso, Paula Patton, Angela Bassett, and Loretta Devine star.

The other new rom com, “Something Borrowed,”  had to settle for fourth with around $13.1 million. The movie is about  a woman who falls for her best friend’s fiancé. It’s based on the best selling novel of the same name by Emily Giffin. The film stars Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Colin Egglesfield.

Rounding out the top five, the animation “Rio” with an estimated $8.2 million.

At a time when the sale of spec scripts usually slows down – this year– those sales are still going strong.  Scott Myers over on the screenwriting blog Go Into The Story is tracking 2011 spec script buys.

Myers says the 29th sale was for a spec script written by the grandsons of the actor, Dick Van Dyke. Carey and Shane Van Dyke’s “The Watching Hour” is a horror screenplay.

Spec script sales in Hollywood are way ahead of  2010. Last year, the 29th spec script did not get bought until June 25! For more on this sale click here.

A high octane debut at the box office for the fifth sequel to “The Fast and the Furious”  (2001).  ”Fast Five” burned rubber on the competition, left them in its smoke, with a huge opening estimated at $83.6 million. “Fast Five” is now the number one film in the country.

“Fast Five,” stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, and Tyrese Gibson. The plot revolves around fast cars and a big money heist — $100 million.  

Far, far behind in second place, the animation “Rio” with around $14.4 million. Next in third, the comedy “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” with about $10 million. The drama based on the book of the same name, “Water for Elephants,” took in about $9 million good enough for fourth.

Rounding out the top another new flick, ”Prom.”  This teen comedy about a high school prom stars Aimee Teegarden, DeVaughn Nixon, and Danielle Campbell.

Well-known comedian/radio personality Steve Harvey’s book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, And Commitment,” was a huge bestseller. The self-help guide debuted at number one on the New York Times hardcover advice list the week of February 9, 2009.

The relationship book, from a male perspective, was aimed at black women, but it struck a cord with women of various ethnic backgrounds. Following in the steps of its best selling predecessor, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” — “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” is being turned into a movie — that’s what has sparked this latest controversy.

Actor Kevin Hart has signed on for the lead role in, “Think Like A Man,” with production due to start in July, according to deadline.com  Screen Gems’ is producing this comedy about a self-help advisor who’s great at his job — but struggling with problems in his own marriage.

Now that the book has been out a while, some are seeing it as not so positive. Harvey’s recent drama with his ex-wife has many questioning the caliber of his relationship  advice. Some of the commenters on the deadline post speak out about different aspects of the controversy.

Locally, Harvey’s popular radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” has been on a couple of Southland stations. Since August of 2009, the show has held a slot on the R&B and gospel station, KJLH, 102.3 FM, owned by music superstar Stevie Wonder.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Promotional poster for the book "Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie A History of Television."

Prolific television producer, Chuck Fries, was in the spotlight recently at the Burbank public library sponsored “An Evening with Hollywood Movers & Shaker.” The event on March 22, drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The spotlight on television producer Chuck Fries drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Fries was introduced by popular radio personality and disc jockey, Rick Dees, who has the #1 rated internationally syndicated radio show, “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Radio personality Rick Dees gives the thumbs-up after introducing TV producer Chuck Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck Fries has produced over 100 movies for television. His credits include a wide variety of films like, “She Waits” (1972), “The Secret Night Caller” (1975),”Cat People” (1982), ”Sins of the Father” (1985), ”Flowers in the Attic” (1987),”The Case of the Hillside Stranglers” (1989), “Troop Beverly Hills”  (1989),  “Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean” (1990), and “The Initiation of Sarah” (2006).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, actor Dorian Harewood at the Buena Vista Library Burbank March 22, 2011

Actor Dorian Harewood talked about working in the Fries fact-based TV film, “The Ambush Murders”(1982).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, Ava Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck’s wife, Ava, joined him on the platform to discuss her experience as a producer of the film, “Troop Beverly Hills” (1989).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Spider-Man made a brief appearance at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The web slinger, Spider-Man, dropped in to remind folks that Fries produced the TV series “The Amazing Spider-Man” (1977-1979) and the TV movie ”Spider-Man Strikes Back” (1979).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries signed copies of his book at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The book, “Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie  A History of Television,” was released last fall.

Three new films grabbed the top spots at the box office this weekend. Out front and the new number one film in the country, “Hop,” with an estimated $38.1 million. The animated flick is a fantasy about a series of mishaps that almost derail Easter. The cast includes James Marsden, Russell Brand, and Hank Azaria.

In second place, “Source Code,” debuted with $15 million. The action thriller revolves around a soldier who wakes up in the body of another man — part of the Source Code program — his mission, to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. This very clever sci-fi thriller has received some pretty good reviews, but the debut was disappointing. The reason for the film’s weak opening — most likely, Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays the lead character. Gyllenhaal has not developed into the kind of leading man that draws movie fans.

Another new film, “Insidious,” claimed third with an estimated $13.3 million. This very low budget film focuses on several paranormal events that terrorize a young family. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Ty Simpkins star.

Last week’s top film, the family-friendly “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” landed in fourth with around $10.4 million and fifth place went to the thriller, ”Limitless,” with about $9.4 million.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” raced to the top of the box office this weekend with an estimated debut of $24.4 million. The family film is based on the second  book in the popular  ”Diary of a Wimpy Kid ” series by cartoonist Jeff Kinney.

The movie focuses on two brothers and their humorous escapades in middle school. Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, and Rachael Harris star. The first film, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” was a big hit with movie fans last year. Another sequel is in the works.

While “Wimpy Kid 2″ apparently exceeded expectations another new film, “Sucker Punch,” stumbled. The fantasy action flick is about a young woman who breaks out of an asylum with some female inmates and they set off on an adventure. “Sucker Punch” earned around $19 million. The cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, and Vanessa Hudgens.

In third place, action thriller “Limitless” with an estimated $15.2 million, crime drama, “The Lincoln lawyer” landed in fourth with about $11 million, and rounding out the top five, the animated western “Rango” with around $9.8 million.

 Tom Hanks takes on real-life hero role

 The high-seas drama of cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips and the Somali pirates is headed to the big screen. Actor Tom Hanks is reportedly on board to play Phillips, according to deadline.com

Back in April of 2009, Captain Phillips traded himself as a hostage to the pirates to save his crew. Phillips was later freed in a daring rescue by U.S. Navy Seals. More on Hanks and this project on Deadline.

John Wayne photo book coming soon

The family of the late actor John Wayne has decided to share some rare photos with the world. A soon to be published John Wayne photo book will include, pictures from the family archives as well as snapshots from some of the 175 films Wayne appeared in, according to the publishing site, Galleycat.

Along with the photos, the book will include comments from relatives, friends and co-stars. It will be published by powerHouse books sometime this fall.

More spec screenplay sales

Screenwriter Scott Myers is tracking the spec screenplay sales. Myers says the spec, “The Last Drop” by Brandon and Phillip Murphy, is the 17th to get bought this year. The eight spec to get snatched up this month. Myers has more on the sale of “The Last Drop” and the spec script market over on his Go Into The Story blog.

The new gritty sci-fi action flick, “Battle: Los Angeles,” fought its way to the top of the box office this weekend.  “Battled: LA” debuted with an estimated $36 million to become the number one movie in the country.

Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriquez, and pop singer Ne-Yo are in the cast of  ”Battle: LA,” which is about a marine platoon that goes up against invading aliens in the City of Angels. 

Last week’s top film, Johnny Depp’s computer-animated western-comedy, ”Rango,” slipped to second place with around $23 million. ‘ The new take on folk tale classic, “Red Riding Hood,” did not generate the kind of opening expected — by landing in third with an estimated $14.1 million. The dark fantasy stars Amanda Seyfried as a woman living in a town terrorized by a werewolf.

The thriller, “The Adjustment Bureau,” claimed fourth with just about $11.4 million, and rounding out the top five, the new Disney animation, “Mars Needs Moms,” with an estimated $6.8 million. Produced on a budget reported to be at least $150 million, the film is considered a box office bomb. “Mars Needs Moms” stars Seth Green and Joan Cusack, in a story of a young boy who is out to save his mother from Martians. It is based on a book by cartoonist, Berkeley Breathed.

Another twist in the Charlie Sheen saga

There are more strange twists in the real-life saga of troubled-outspoken actor, Charlie Sheen, than most TV shows. This morning, Sheen’s attorney filed a $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. and “Two and a Half Men” co-creator/executive producer, Chuck Lorre.

The suit comes days after Warner Bros. fired Sheen from the highly rated TV sitcom. The Wrap has the termination letter, a copy of Sheen’s complaint, and more here.

Book deal for actor/comedian/author, Bill Cosby

Entertainer Bill Cosby has a new book coming out later this year, in November. “I Didn’t Ask To Be Born, But I’m Glad I Was,” touches on Cosby’s dating experience, misbehaving grandkids, and his views on God and the Bible, according to the publishing site, Galleycat.

Cosby has written several books including, “Fatherhood” and “Cosbyology.”

Script news: screenwriter selected for reboot of “Robocop”

Deadline.com is reporting that Josh Zetumer has been hired by MGM to script a new version of the 1987 sci-fi action hit, “Robocop.” There were two sequels in 1990 and 1993, but none did as well as the first movie at the box office. Zetumer is a hot screenwriter right now. He got his big break with the spy thriller screenplay, “Infiltrator.”  More here.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- Entertainer Stevie Wonder got a standing ovation from the audience during "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" concert February 24, 2011

PBS stations across the country ran the premiere of the TV special, ”The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House,” last night. The concert recorded in the East Room of the White House back on February 24, 2011, was a celebration of Black History Month and the legendary soul/pop/rhythm and blues sound of Motown Records.

Some of the great artists who helped create that Motown Sound: The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the event, which included appearances by Seal, Jamie Foxx, Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Southland KJLH radio station owner/entertainer, Stevie Wonder — just to name a few.

Christina Aguilera jailed for public drunkenness

The pop diva with the big voice, Christina Aguilera, has hit a rough patch. Her movie, “Burlesque,” stumbled at the box office, she botched the national anthem at the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, and then last night, the singer was arrested for being intoxicated in public. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies reportedly pulled over a car in West Hollywood early this morning with the singer’s boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, behind the wheel. He was busted on suspicion of DUI and Aguilera, a passenger in the car, was so out of it — she reportedly was taken into custody for her own safety. People has details including comments from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore.  

Charlie Sheen’s TV show ratings soar

Actor Charlie Sheen is in meltdown, but the ratings on his now canceled-for-the-season TV show are terrific. A repeat of “Two and a Half Men” was the most watched program on television last night. Deadline has the numbers.

Natalie Portman and the designer controversy

Lead actress Academy Award winner on Sunday, Natalie Portman, condemned alleged anti-Semitic remarks by Dior designer, John Galliano. Portman is Jewish and  promoting a perfume for Dior. The company reportedly has begun proceedings to fire Galliano. More on The Wrap.

Photo: Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times -- Actress Halle Berry posed on the Oscar red carpet at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood February 27, 2011

As expected, “The King’s Speech” captured the best picture Oscar at the 83rd Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood tonight. The surprise, the historic British drama was nominated for a record 12 awards, but only won four. Along with best picture, Colin Firth grabbed best actor, Tom Hooper best director, and David Seidler walked off with the best original screenplay trophy.

 Aaron Sorkin took home the best adapted screenplay statuette for the Facebook movie, ”The Social Network.” Best actress went to Natalie Portman for the dance thriller, “Black Swan,” best supporting actress to Melissa Leo for her role in the sports drama, “The Fighter,” and Christian Bale got the best supporting actor for “The Fighter” as well.  A full list of the winners is on the Academy of  Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Oscars website.

The Los Angeles Times has more on the winners, the awards, and photos — including some nice snapshots of the fashions on the red carpet. I admit it: I checked out   the celebrity fashions at the glittery affair. The temperature in Hollywood during the red carpet parade of stars was in the 50s — still springtime colors and skin-baring designs were the norm. My favorite: Actress Halle Berry’s stunning champagne-colored sparkly gown with ruffled train by Marchesa.  Hollywood glamour definitely on display at the Oscars.

 WGA 2011 awards

Some of Hollywood’s top writing awards were given out last night by the Writers Guild of America. The best original screenplay went to Christopher Nolan for the smart sci-fi actioner, “Inception.”  The ceremony was held simultaneously at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in the Southland and at the AXA Equitable Center in New York City.

Aaron Sorkin took home the best adapted screenplay trophy for the Facebook script, “The Social Network,” which is based on the book “The Accidental Billionaires” (2009) by Ben Mezrich. In accepting his award, Sorkin said: “I wrote a good screenplay, but David Fincher made a great movie.” More on the WGA awards ceremony on the Los Angeles Times website.  Also, the complete list of the 2011 WGA Awards winners here on the Writers Guild of America, West, website.

Catching up on some other recent awards events:

Major DGA Award goes to “The King’s Speech” director

Photo: DGA website -- Tom Hooper received the DGA film directing award for 2011 from last year's winner, Kathryn Bigelow on January 30, 2011

 Tom Hooper won the DGA Award for outstanding directorial achievement in feature film on his first feature film nomination, last Sunday, January 30, at the Grand Ballroom in Los Angeles. Hooper won for his work on ”The King’s Speech.” The list of all the 63rd DGA Awards winners here.

SAG Awards 2011  winners revealed

Also, last Sunday, the Screen Actors Guild Awards for outstanding performances in 2010 were presented during a ceremony at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center in L.A. The Actor for best performance by a cast in a motion picture went to the Oscar front-runner, “The King’s Speech.”  The full list of winners for the 17th Annual SAG Awards here.

In this Oscar race, “The King’s Speech” has proven to be the tortoise and “The Social Network” the hare. When the award season kicked off late last year,  the story of Facebook, the most popular social network on the planet, was fast out of the gate — collecting a number of major awards. However, “The King’s Speech” picked up momentum last weekend by winning the top honor at the Producer’s Guild Awards bash. 

Already, there is a lot of web chatter about who got snubbed by the Academy voters. “Inception” director Christopher Nolan did not get a nomination. “Inception” was left out of the best editing category as well.  Also, “Black Swan” was passed over for best original screenplay.   

Here are the nominees in some of the top categories:  

Best Picture

“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter’s Bone” Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers  

Actor in a leading role 

Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”
James Franco in “127 Hours”  

Actress in a leading role  

Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”   

Actor in a supporting role  

Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”   

Actress in a supporting role  

Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”   

Best Director  

“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen 

The complete list of nominees here on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences website. 

The 83rd Academy Awards ceremony will be Sunday, February 27, 2011. The affair will have double significance for James Franco. He’s nominated for best actor in a leading role for his performance in “127 Hours” and Franco is co-hosting the ceremony with actress, Anne Hathaway.

“No Strings Attached” #1 at Box Office

“The Green Hornet” got thrashed by a new chick flick. That’s right. The R-rated romantic comedy,”No Strings Attached,” debuted at number one this weekend with an estimated haul of $20.3 million. The rom-com stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher and reportedly was produced on a $25 million budget.

“The Green Hornet” slipped from first to second with a take of about $18.1 million — bringing the superhero action comedy two week total to around $63 million. The comedy “The Dilemma” snagged third with $9.7 million, followed by ”The King’s Speech” with $9.1 million and rounding out the top five, “True Grit” with $8 million.

“The King’s Speech” surprise win

The race to the Oscars just got a little more interesting. Last night in Beverly Hills, the British historical drama,”The King’s Speech,” picked up the top honor at the Producers Guild Awards for best produced motion picture. ”The Social Network,” which had been on a roll at awards shows, was left in the dust along with eight other film nominees including “The Fighter” and  “Inception.” Here’s the Los Angeles Times article on the upset.

Academy Award nominations announced on Tuesday

Many in Hollywood  and here in the Media City will be up before sunrise this Tuesday, January 25, to hear the list of nominees for the 83rd Academy Awards.  Last year’s best supporting actress winner, Mo’Nique, and Academy President, Tom Sherak, will reveal the Oscar nominations at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Also this year,  the announcement of the Oscar nominees will be streamed live on the Internet via livestream.com  and available on mobile devices, according to the Academy.

The Oscars ceremony is Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony is set to be televised live in more than 200 countries around the globe.

Opening in theaters today

A new romantic comedy is challenging “The Green Hornet” at the Box Office this weekend. “No Strings Attached” hits movie theaters today and it stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher. The script revolves around a couple of friends who make a deal to have a “no strings attached” fling without the complication of falling in love. Yeah, right.

NBC Universal honcho Jeff Zucker’s final memo to staffers

Now that the Comcast NBC Universal merger is nearly complete, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker has to move on. Today Zucker sent out a gracious farewell note to staffers. No rancor in it about being kicked to the curb by the Comcast team.  Check it out on The Wrap site.

Beyoncé to star in remake of “A Star Is Born” –Clint Eastwood will direct

A lot of folks in showbiz are chattering about the new remake of “A Star Is Born” — greenlighted with singer Beyoncé  Knowles in the lead role. This will be the fourth big screen version of the story of a talented young woman who falls in love with a self-destructive male star. Her career rises — while his tanks. Heavyweight Clint Eastwood has signed on to direct.

While there is some grumbling about another re-do of this story — most of the debate is about the acting chops of Beyoncé. The singer has appeared in several movies. She’s not quite at the level of Judy Garland or Barbra Streisand — but you never know what could happen.  Remember first timer, Jennifer Hudson, won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her powerful performance in the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical ”Dreamgirls” (2006). Beyoncé was in that musical as well. Maybe “A Star Is Born” will be her big chance to really shine.

More on the “A Star Is Born” remake and debate on deadline.com – including more than 200 comments.

Comcast NBC Universal merger almost a done deal 

It took more than a year, but the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice today gave the thumbs up to that huge Comcast NBC Universal  merger today. The mega deal is said to be worth $30 billion. It is expected to be finalized by the end of the month. The Wrap has more on this development here.

“The Green Hornet” wins Box Office crown

The superhero action comedy, “The Green Hornet,” is the new king of the Box Office. Over the weekend, the new 3D flick scooped up $33.5 million and a tally of $40 million over the long MLK four day holiday weekend.

Coming in a distant second, the new adult comedy, “The Dilemma,” with $17.8 million for the weekend. Perhaps, the bland title and dull movie poster  were a turn off for movie fans. The movie, directed by Ron Howard, has an interesting premise — A guy has to figure out how to tell his best friend that his wife is cheating on him — without jeopardizing their friendship and working relationship. Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Queen Latifah are in the cast.

The western remake, “True Grit,” wrangled up $11 million, which was good enough for third place. Rounding out the top five the dramas, “The King’s Speech” with $9. 1 million and “Black Swan” with $8.3 million.

“The Social Network” collects more awards

“The Social Network” is packing a lot of Oscar heat after winning a slew of awards — including best drama, director, screenplay, and film score at the  much-maligned-but-attention-grabbing Golden Globes last Sunday.

The Golden Globe for best film actor in a drama went to Colin Firth for his role in “The King’s Speech.”  Natalie Portman took home best actress in a drama for her turn in “Black Swan.” The full list of Golden Globe winners here.

Some of the Oscar mystery will be solved when the nominations are announced later this month on Tuesday, January 25. The 83rd Academy Awards ceremony is set for Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

“The Green Hornet” opens in theaters today

The new film version of “The Green Hornet” is going to try to make a killing over the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. “The Green Hornet” has appeared in a number of different media including, a radio program, a television series, and comic books.

The 3D film hits domestic theaters today and stars, Seth Rogen as the wealthy playboy, Britt Reid, turned superhero/crime fighter who teams up with trusty sidekick/martial arts expert, Kato, played by Jay Chou. Cameron Diaz stars as Lenore “Casey” Case, Reid’s secretary and love interest.

 ”The Green Hornet” will be trying to topple the number one film, “True Grit.”

The western remake won last weekend’s domestic Box Office race with a tally of $14.6 million. Throughout the week, “True Grit” continue to out pace the competition and to hold on to the title of number one movie in the country.

The comedy “Little Fockers,” got bumped from the top spot to second place with earnings of $13.4 million, last weekend. The new horror flick, “Season of the Witch,” landed in third with $10.6 million. It stars Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman. The plot revolves around a woman accused of being a witch and causing the Black Plague.

The fantasy, “Tron Legacy,” took four with $10 million and rounding out the top five, the psychological thriller  flick, “Black Swan” with $8.1 million. It’s about to dancers fighting for the top role in a ballet. Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder, Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis are in the cast.

Catching up on other entertainment news…

Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray, has been ordered to stand trial in connection with the pop superstar’s death in June of 2009. Last Wednesday, after a six-day hearing, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled there was sufficient enough evidence to try Dr. Murray for manslaughter. An arraignment has been set for January 25.

Also, the judge revoked Dr. Murray’s license to practice in California. Murray could lose his medical licenses in two other states as well. Details here.

DGA feature film nominations for 2010

Earlier this week, the Directors Guild of America released the names of the five nominees for outstanding directorial achievement in feature films for 2010. No real surprises on the list. All of the directors and their films have been getting a lot of awards buzz lately.  

Here are the nominees:

• Darren Aronofsky  “Black Swan”
• David Fincher “The Social Network”
• Tom Hooper “The King’s Speech”
• Christopher Nolan “Inception”
• David O. Russell “The Fighter”

The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 29 at a ceremony and dinner in Hollywood. For more on the nominees, the DGA Awards, and the ceremony go here.