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.

Photo: tula/Flickr -- Fans adorned the Hollywood star of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor with pictures, cards, flowers, and mementos March 2011

 Elizabeth Taylor, the Hollywood superstar with the incredible violet eyes, died of congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital, last Wednesday, March 23, 2011. The two time Academy Award winner for best actress was 79. The next day in a small private funeral, Taylor was buried at Forest Lawn Glendale.

The screen legend was laid to rest in the Memorial Terrace of the Great Mausoleum, nearby her good friend Michael Jackson in the Holly Terrace section. Many of the Hollywood famous are in this cemetery including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Nat King Cole.

(Photo: tula on Flickr)

Photo: Warner Bros./Los Angeles Times -- Elizabeth Taylor played rancher wife Leslie Benedict in the film "Giant" (1956)

Actress Elizabeth Taylor reportedly died this morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center here in the Southland. The Hollywood superstar passed away at the age of 79. The cause of death, congestive heart failure, according to the Los Angeles Times website.

The Times has photos and more on a complex woman who became a film legend.

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.

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.

Photo: Liz.O Baylen/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan arrives at the Airport Courthouse Los Angeles February 9, 2011

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan is back at center stage of a real life drama – one she appears to relish. Today Lohan is out on $40,000 bail after pleading “not guilty’ to a felony grand theft charge for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice boutique last month.

Lohan showed up at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles for her arraignment yesterday in dark sunglasses, wearing a tight white dress and high heel. Yes, Lohan was dressed for the media theater — the role she seems to be playing the most often.

Photo: Mario Anzuoni/Pool/Los Angeles Times -- Lindsay Lohan talks with her attorney Shawn Chapman Holley during an arraignment on a felony grand theft charge in Los Angeles February 9, 2011

 Lohan is due back in court on February 23. More on Lohan’s latest court appearance and the DNA sample she had to give on the Los Angeles Times website.

Keith Olbermann has a new job

Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann is headed to Current TV – the network co-founded by ex-VP Al Gore. Over on The Wrap Al Gore talks about Current and what Olbermann will do for the fledgling network.

Investigation of fatal crash on TV production set

The victim in that deadly collision on a Santa Clarita TV production set has been identified as Julio Garcia of Reseda, according to The Santa Clarita Signal. Garcia, reportedly a security guard, was struck by a runaway van on the set of the TV drama, “NCIS,” yesterday, shutting down the production. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 799-5111.

 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.

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend

Photo: www.theinsider.com --Actress Anna Nicole Smith and her attorney Howard K. Stern in 2007

In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007.

Also, the judge reduced from four to one — the charges against one of Smith’s doctors — saying the evidence did not support the charges. More on the judge’s decision and the prosecution’s reaction on the People website.

Day three of Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing

More dramatic revelations today in the Los Angeles hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for Dr.Conrad Murray to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray was apparently engaged in phone conversations and texting when he should have been paying attention to the medicated superstar according to records presented in court.

On June 25, 2009, paramedics rushed the singer from his rented Holmby Hills mansion to the UCLA Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Later, the Los Angeles Coroner’s office ruled the entertainer’s death a homicide — the result of an overdose of the powerful anesthetic, propofol, which was being given to him as a sleeping aid.

A report on the hearing and the testimony on the Los Angeles Times website site.

2011 People’s choice Awards

The movie blockbuster, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” snatched four top awards at the People’s Choice Awards last night at the Nokia Theatre Live L.A. in downtown Los Angeles. Among the People’s Choice awards for this “Twilight” sequel, favorite movie and favorite movie drama.

These award winners for film, television and music are selected by the fans.  A list of the winners, the nominees, photos and videos and more on the People’s Choice website.

The 2011 WGA screen award nominees

The Writers Guild of America today announced its nominees for outstanding achievement in writing for the screen in 2010. Here are some of the big screen nominees:

Original Screenplay

• Black Swan, Screenplay by Mark Heyman and Andres Heinz and John McLaughlin; Story by Andres Heinz; Fox Searchlight
• The Fighter, Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson; Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson; Paramount Pictures
• Inception, Written by Christopher Nolan; Warner Bros.
• The Kids Are All Right, Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg; Focus Features
• Please Give, Written by Nicole Holofcener; Sony Pictures Classics

Adapted Screenplay

• 127 Hours, Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy; Based on the book Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston; Fox Searchlight
• I Love You Phillip Morris, Written by John Requa & Glenn Ficarra; Based on the book by Steven McVicker; Roadside Attractions
• The Social Network, Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin; Based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich; Sony Pictures
• The Town, Screenplay by Peter Craig and Ben Affleck & Aaron Stockard; Based on the novel Prince of Thieves by Chuck Hogan; Warner Bros.
• True Grit, Screenplay by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen; Based on the novel by Charles Portis; Paramount Pictures

The full list is here. The WGA screen awards will be handed out on Saturday, February 5, 2011, at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York.

Producers Guild of America 2011 award nominations

The Producers Guild of America announced the nominations for its 2011 PGA awards in television and motion pictures today. The film list includes some familiar award nominees: “Inception,” “Black Swan,” “The Social Network,” “The Town,” and  “True Grit.” Go here for the complete list.  The 22nd Annual Producers Guild Awards ceremony is set for Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.  

Oprah Winfrey’s new TV network goes live

That talk- show- diva- now- network-mogul, Oprah Winfrey, launched her own cable television network on New Year’s Day. One million viewers turned in, according to deadline.com

You can get an idea of the kind of programming Oprah is offering by visiting her OWN website. This is a terrific looking site, packed with all sorts of stuff — including hundreds of comments from viewers and Oprah fans about the new network. Check it out here.

New Year’s weekend Box Office

New Year’s weekend Box Office turned out to be very much like Christmas weekend –  slow and very unexciting. Attendance was done at movie theaters during those two weekends not because of the bad weather, but most liekly due to the weak slate of films — not one in the top five is a real “gotta see” type film or blockbuster.

The comedy sequel, “Little Fockers,” held onto the number spot with a weekend tally of $25.7 million. The western-remake with awards buzz, “True Grit,” held remained in second place with $24.4 million.

The fantasy,”Tron:Legacy,” landed in third again with $18.7 million, followed by the animation, “Yogi Bear,” in fourth with $12.3 million, and fifth earning $10.2 million, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”

 25 films added to the National Film Registry

The disco-boogie classic, “Saturday Night Fever,” (1977) is one of 25 films selected for the National Film registry of the Library of Congress. The announcement was made today. More than two thousand films were nominated by the public for the inclusion in this year’s group.

The films are selected not because they’re the best cinema, but “… as works of enduring significance to American culture,” according to a Library of Congress press release. This year’s selection brings the total number of films in the National Film Registry to 550.

Some of the other films on the 2010 list: “Airplane” (1980), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), “The Exorcist” (1973), “Malcolm X” (1992), “The Pink Panther” (1964), and “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (1945).  For the complete list and some details on each film, go here.

Oscar Nomination ballots in the mail

Photo: Greg Harbaugh/A.M.P.A.S. — Nomination ballots for the 83rd Academy Awards were given a final check before being mailed out in Beverly Hills December 27, 2010

 Those Oscar nomination ballots for the 83rd Academy Awards should be arriving at the homes of the voting members of the academy very soon. The ballots were mailed out yesterday, after being sorted, counted, and numbered under the close scrutiny of reps from the accounting firm, Pricewaterhousecoopers.  

The 5, 755 ballots must be returned to Pricewaterhousecoopers by 5 p.m. January 14, 2011. The Oscar ceremony is Sunday, February 27, 2011 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The  prestigious affair is always huge here and around the world. The awards extravaganza reportedly will be televised live in more than 200 countries.

A comedy sequel wins the Christmas weekend Box Office  

Two new films top the weekend Box Office. Taking the number one spot, “Little Fockers,” with a respectable $30.8 million. This is the sequel to the family comedies “Meet the Parents” (2000) and “Meet the Fockers” (2004). Many of the players from the earlier films appear in “Little Fockers,” including Ben Stiller, Rober De Niro, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, and Owen Wilson.

In “Little Fockers”  Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) has a heart scare, appoints his son-in-law Greg Focker (Ben Stilles) as  the new head of the family — and then has second thoughts about the decision.

Another new film with a familiar ring bagged second place. The new version of the western, “True Grit,” earned $24.8 million.  The first “True Grit”  in (1969) starred John Wayne who won an Academy Award for his performance as U.S. Marshal, Reuben “Rooster” J.Cogburn.

In the new version, directed by the Coen brothers, Jeff Bridges portrays the U.S. Marshal and Hailee Steinfeld is the 14-year-old girl who hires him to track down the hired hand (Josh Brolin) who killed her father. Both film adaptations are based on the book, “True Grit” (1968), by Charles Portis.

Last week’s top film, the sci-fi sequel, “Tron Legacy” slipped to third with a take of $19.1 million. Rounding out the top five,  the fantasy flick, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,”  with $9.4 million and the animated film, “Yogi Bear” with $7.8 million.

After more than 25 years, a sequel to the 1982 “Tron” film hit theaters and it captured the Box Office crown over the weekend. The final numbers came out today and “Tron: Legacy” debuted with $44 million to become the number one  film in the country.

In the “Tron” sequel a brilliant software programmer and his son are reunited in a cyber  universe where they must battle for survival, while searching for a way back to the normal world.  Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, Garrett Hedlund, and Olivia Wilde star.

A new family animation, based on the 1950s’ “The Yogi Bear Show,”  landed in second place with $16.4 million. “Yogi Bear” is about the fight to save Jellystone Park, the home of Yogi and his sidekick, Boo-Boo. Celebrity voices include Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, and Anna Faris.

Last week’s number one film, the fantasy “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” managed only third this time out with $12.3 million.  ”The fighter,” a sports drama with awards buzz, earned with $12.1 million, and rounding out the top five, the blockbuster animation,”Tangled” with $8.7 million. The re-telling of the “Rapunzel” fairytale has scooped up $127.9 million at the domestic Box Office in four weeks.

Director Blake Edwards dies at 88

The director of such notable films as “Operation Petticoat” (1959), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), ”The Pink Panther” films (1963, 1964, 1975, 1978),  and “10″ (1979), has died. The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that Blake Edwards passed away yesterday in Santa Monica, with his wife, actress Julie Andrews, and close family at his bedside.  More on the  director’s death and career highlights on the Times’ website.

Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees

The nominees for the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced in West Hollywood today. The awards ceremony will be at the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center next month, on January 30.

 Here are some of the actors and actresses lucky enough to get nominated by their peers for outstanding performances in 2010. The full list of movie and television nominations is on the  SAG website.

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
  JEFF BRIDGES / Rooster Cogburn – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)
  ROBERT DUVALL / Felix Bush – “GET LOW” (Sony Pictures Classics)
  JESSE EISENBERG / Mark Zuckerberg – “THE SOCIAL NETWORK” (Columbia Pictures)
  COLIN FIRTH / King George VI – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
  JAMES FRANCO / Aron Ralston – “127 HOURS” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

• Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
  ANNETTE BENING / Nic – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
  NICOLE KIDMAN / Becca – “RABBIT HOLE” (Lionsgate)
  JENNIFER LAWRENCE / Ree Dolly – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
  NATALIE PORTMAN / Nina Sayers – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  HILARY SWANK / Betty Anne Waters – “CONVICTION” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

• Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
  CHRISTIAN BALE / Dicky Eklund – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  JOHN HAWKES / Teardrop – “WINTER’S BONE” (Roadside Attractions)
  JEREMY RENNER / James Coughlin – “THE TOWN” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
  MARK RUFFALO / Paul – “THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT” (Focus Features)
  GEOFFREY RUSH / Lionel Logue – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)

• Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
  AMY ADAMS / Charlene Fleming – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Queen Elizabeth – “THE KING’S SPEECH” (The Weinstein Company)
  MILA KUNIS / Lily – “BLACK SWAN” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
  MELISSA LEO / Alice Ward – “THE FIGHTER” (Paramount Pictures)
  HAILEE STEINFELD / Mattie Ross – “TRUE GRIT” (Paramount Pictures)

Blogger/tweeter gets TV project gig

Blogger/tweeter and mother of three, Kelly Oxford, has been writing for years — but now it’s really paying off for her. Oxford’s witty tweets and interesting blog posts, got her a deal to write a sitcom series pilot called, “Mother of All Something.”

Now CBS has picked up the project for development with actress Jessica Alba and Jhoni Marchinko, a former-writer for the TV series, “Will & Grace” attached. The CBS comedy, “$#*! My Dad Says,” is based on a Twitter feed. The Network reportedly has several other Internet-based projects in the works.  More about Oxford and this deal here.

2010 Golden Globe nominations

The Hollywood awards season is in full swing. Yesterday, the period film, “The King’s Speech,” received seven Golden Globe nominations, the most of any motion picture. It’s about Briain’s King George VI  and his struggle to overcome a stuttering problem.

Two other movie dramas, “The Fighter,” and “The Social Network,” got six nominations. The sci-fi actioner, “Inception,” the psychological thriller, ” Black Swan,” and the comedy, “The Kids are All Right,” each were handed four nominations by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Even though the Golden Globes get a lot of flak for being more about the glitter than real talent — it frequently selects Academy Awards contenders and sometimes even picks Oscar winners.

The 68th Annual Golden Globes Awards ceremony is set for January 16, 2011 on NBC. 

The entire list, including TV nominees, on the HFPA website. 

 “The Chronicles of Narnia” rules the Box Office

The third installment of  “The Chronicles of Narnia” is still king at the domestic Box Office, after earning the crown over the weekend with a haul of $24 million. “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” rolled right over another newbie, “The Tourist.”

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” is based on the third book in the classic children’s book series by C.S. Lewis. In this version, the King of Narnia and his brave team must rescue seven lords in order to save his country from an evil mist. The 3D flick earned $1.6 million on Monday and $1.7 million on Tuesday to remain the number one film in the country.

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are in second place. Over the weekend their romantic/thriller, “The Tourist,” managed only $16.4 million.  On Monday, it made $1.3 million and did a little better on Tuesday, $1.6 million.  In “The Tourist” Depp plays an American visiting Italy who meets a mysterious woman, Jolie.  “The Tourist” is a remake of the French action/thriller “Anthony Zimmer” (2005).

The animated movie, “Tangled,” landed in third with $14.3 million, followed by “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ in fourth  with $8.4 million and rounding out the top five, “Unstoppable” with $3.7 million.

The Black List: Hot unproduced scripts of 2010 

The Black List is one of the most eagerly awaited screenplay collections in Hollywood. Since 2004, film executive, Franklin Leonard, has been compiling this list of the favorite unproduced screenplays of the year.  Diablo Cody’s “Juno” is one of the scripts that was discovered on this list and got produced!

This time around 290 film executives cast ballots for the screenplays they enjoyed reading the most. Nikki Finke has the complete list, the agencies and managers who rep the scripts and the screenwriters, as well as over 100 comments about it on deadline.com