Women fete an Elle of an evening

Michelle Pfeiffer and Stacey Snider Chelsea Handler and Reese Witherspoon Barbra Streisand and Jennifer Aniston; Octavia Spencer, Freida Pinto and Viola Davis attend the tribute. Amber Heard, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Nicole Richie Actresses Abigail Breslin (L) and Chloe Moretz attend ELLE's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on October 17, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. ELLE's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood TributeActresses Octavia Spencer, Freida Pinto and Viola Davis attend ELLE's 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on October 17, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. ELLE's 18th Annual Women in HollywooThe Four Seasons Beverly Hills was thick with stars and admiration on Oct. 17 for the Elle Women in Hollywood Tribute.Adam Shankman introduced Michelle Pfeiffer by reminiscing about her many movies. Jon Hamm had the room howling during his intro for Stacey Snider, listing all her pics until he duly noted, "All films I have not been in. Not even a walk-on!"Self-deprecation continued when Jennifer Aniston said she admired a video clip "hair bit" that showed fellow honoree Barbra Streisand removing her wig for the camera. "If I had even slight balls," Aniston remarked, "I would pull out every single piece of fake hair in my head right now and I would lay it out as I spoke to you."Streisand, who arrived with her pet dog in a bag and kept it under her table, even poked fun at herself. "I'd like to congratulate all of the wonderful women who have been honored tonight. You're all so charming, so well-spoken and so thin. I ate the chocolate cake!" Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Kelsey Grammer Plays Chicago Mayor in 'Boss'

CHICAGO (AP) Kelsey Grammer makes it clear from the start: He's not playing Mayor Richard M. Daley in the new dramatic series "Boss" that debuts Friday night.Sure, his mayor of Chicago talks about being in charge for 22 years the exact time Daley spent in office. For both men the job is also the family business, with Grammer's Tom Kane following his father-in-law and Daley his father. And if Grammer's character really wanted a disguise that nobody would have recognized, he would have put on a Cubs hat and not one bearing the logo of Daley's beloved White Sox."We were writing a show that is a derivative of Shakespeare (and) he's got 400 years on the Daleys," Grammer said this summer during filming in Chicago for the Starz drama (10 p.m. EDT).Grammer told Daley as much, when the two met and he "tried to reassure him that we had absolutely no intention of taking pot shots at him and his father." And it is certainly true there is nothing about Kane's mannerisms, eloquent manner of speaking or look that even hint at Da Mayor.At the same time, Daley and the hardball political world in which he grew up and then came to dominate are such an integral part of this story that Shakespeare's "Richard II" would have worked as a title instead of "Boss," which, just happens to be the name of the late Chicago columnist Mike Royko's famous biography of Daley's father.Viewers around the country may not know the ins and outs of Chicago politics, but they understand this is a city where power, clout as they call it around here, is held in the hands of a few, from the days when Al Capone ran his bootlegging empire here with the help of judges and politicians he kept in his pocket to the better part of the last half century when the mayor's last name was always Daley.Tom Kane's power is helped, for example, by the stories, legends, really, of how Daley's father had enough clout (not to mention the dead people he supposedly got to the polls) to put John Kennedy in the White House in 1960 and prompt Robert F. Kennedy eight years later to say the endorsement of Daley, a mayor of a single city in the middle of the country "means the ballgame" to his own chances at the presidency.It is the same with the son who, though not the national force as his father, could flex his own political muscles, as he did when he got tired of talking about turning a lakefront airport into a nature preserve and simply dispatched bulldozers in the dead of night to carve huge Xs into the runway.Even former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is about to be sentenced for trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat, helps tell the story."The conceit of ours is to think of politics as cleaner now," said Farhad Safinia, the show's creator and executive producer. "Chicago shows it isn't.""There's such a colorful backdrop to tell this story that just exists in Chicago, so the city itself becomes kind of a character," agreed Grammer. "We're borrowing Chicago as a kind of magic kingdom (in which) you can believe is full of intrigue, betrayal, plot twists, secret documents and all kinds of things."Chicago's history, both that of recent years and the distant past, are all thrown into the story. Grammer's character Tom Kane, for example, in talking about digging up a cemetery to accommodate the expansion of O'Hare International Airport a real event brings up Abraham Lincoln and the Underground Railroad. Kane talks about how the city was built, telling of figures such as the Rev. Jeremiah Porter, one of the city's first reformers in the 1800s and Anton Cermak, a mayor in the 1930s."We have something occurring at night with bulldozers (after) an edict from the mayor," said Safinia, who would not elaborate. "I keep finding stuff like the Xs in the runway."The filmmakers use many parts of the city, from the most violent and struggling neighborhoods to the sparkling lakefront and the jewel of that lakefront, Millennium Park."We went into neighborhoods that only people in Chicago know about," said Dan Clancy, the show's production designer who came up with some of the locations after talking to his father, a retired Chicago firefighter.If the first two episodes are any indication, the show takes great pains to get the pronunciation of various names correct and when they talk about neighborhoods, they put them where they should be and use the shorthand that is commonly used, referring to the University of Illinois at Chicago as UIC, for example. And unlike other Chicago-based shows that put imagined addresses out in Lake Michigan, "Boss" was careful not to in the early episodes.The crucial opening scene when viewers learn the meaning of the show's tag line "Betrayal Starts From Within" takes place in a building that represents the city's gritty and sometimes brutal past, complete with the hooks where slaughtered animals once hung that can be seen over Grammer's shoulder. That scene in which Kane learns he has a degenerative brain disease sets the tone for a story that is dark, certainly darker than the norm for Grammer, who is best known playing Frasier Crane in the comedies "Cheers" and "Frasier."Grammer said he did not study Daley or any other mayor, explaining that what he needed to know about Kane he already knew after nearly three decades as a TV star."The requirement for this guy really is a person who understands what it's like to be famous and I think in some ways that made me perfectly suited to play this guy," said Grammer, whose marriages, divorces and personal problems have long been the stuff of gossip columns. "You need to understand a lifetime spent in the public consciousness, much of it negative, a lot of it positive. That sort of came along for the ride with me as an actor playing a mayor who is a very well-known guy."Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Singleton sues Componen over 'Flow' deal

SingletonIt was among Sundance 2005's most popular qualities. Amy Pascal required a print from La, and John Singleton's reps prepared memos to create a double-digit deal. Discussions transported on late in to the evening from the screening, by 5 a.m., Vital had beaten out Miramax, New Line and concentrate to nab its prize: the urban crime drama "Hustle & Flow." Six years later, Vital finds itself the prospective of the $20 million suit over its hard-fought against deal. Inside a suit filed Wednesday in La Superior Court, Singleton, who created "Hustle & Flow," claims the studio reneged on its promise to "put" two lower-budget projects included in its distribution pact. "The gist from the 'puts,'?" based on the suit, was that Vital would finance and distribute the images as long as their budgets did not exceed $3.5 million each, that Singleton could not take greater than a 7.5% fee per picture. Vital responded by saying Singleton unsuccessful to keep up their own finish from the bargain. "Vital was wishing that John Singleton would produce two more pictures before his agreement with this studio led to 2010, but that didn't happen," a studio representative told Variety. "Rather, he continued to direct 'Abduction' for Lionsgate. Vital satisfied all its obligations and the claims have simply no merit." Singleton's suit states he switched lower offers using their company suitors -- a minumum of one which offered more up-front gold coin -- but ultimately pacted with Vital and MTV Films through his Crunk Pictures shingle since the studio offered both a $9 million advance from the after sales additionally towards the two other films over the following 5 years. "Hustle" continued to gross $23 million worldwide. Court paperwork explain that about 18 several weeks later, Singleton caused the studio's purchase of "Black Lizard Moan," composed by "Flow" scribe Craig Maker. "Regrettably, when Crunk tried to exercise its to 'put' the 2 pictures to Vital, Vital started saying self-enforced, non-existent conditions around the 'puts' that avoided Singleton from making the images and frustrated his enjoyment of the extremely contractual right which had convinced him to reject another bidders on 'Hustle and Flow,'" the suit alleges. "The only real reason Singleton granted Vital the distribution privileges to 'Black Lizard Moan' was because Singleton thought that Vital would recognition the puts and Singleton could be running a business with Vital for several years.Inch "Hustle" follows a Memphis pimp facing a middle age crisis who's determined to become rapper. Maker also directed "Hustle," which stars Terrence Howard, Taryn Manning, Anthony Anderson, DJ Qualls and rapper Ludacris. Singleton's 2005 deal was seen as an boon to him, and suggestive of the popularity for sophisticated dealmakers to keep onto a lot of after sales. "Filmmakers have grown to be much more savvy about holding onto the upside," UTA agent Jeremy Barber, who had been area of the team that repped Craig Brewer's "Hustle and Flow," stated at that time. Like a director, Singleton is better noted for "Boyz N the Hood," "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Four Siblings." Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Morning Grind: You May Never You Know What Film Marlon Brando Was Unhappy With

Matthew Broderick sitting lower with Alec Baldwin to have an hour-lengthy discussion in the Hamptons Worldwide Film Festival on Saturday evening, so when the chat switched to Hollywood icon Marlon Brando -- who starred with Broderick in 'The Freshman' -- the 'Ferris Bueller' star offered a reasonably surprising anecdote about Brando's very high standards. "I stated, 'Do the thing is dailies, Marlon?' 'I tend not to watch myself on film. My once, I saw some footage and I wasn't pleased with it, also it upset the director. And So I not go to any extent further.'" Naturally, Broderick was curious. "I stated, 'Well, which film did put forth that you simply did not like?' And that he stated, 'On the Waterfront.'" Zing! If Brando was unhappy with 'On the Waterfront,' he hopefully prevented 'The Island of Dr. Moreau.' [Movieline] Talking about Old Hollywood: Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter reported on Sunday that legendary Hollywood talent agent Sue Mengers died after having suffered a number of strokes. Mengers -- who within the '70s symbolized a stroll-of-Fame listing of stars and company directors like Barbra Streisand, Candice Bergen, Michael Caine, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman, Cher, Joan Collins, Burt Reynolds, Nick Nolte, Mike Nichols, Peter Bogdanovich, John P Palma, Bob Fosse, and Sidney Lumet -- was either 81 (her age on Wikipedia) or 78 (age she stated herself) she died encircled by buddies Ali McGraw, Joanna Poitier, and Boaty Boatwright. [Vanity Fair] It appears like Christopher Nolan will not enter 'The Twilight Zone.' Deadline reviews that director Matt Reeves may be the Warner Bros. option to lead the reboot, with discussions apparently prepared to start now. Reeves, which side won acclaim for 'Let Me In' -- an Americanized reboot of 'Let the correct one In' -- and did an excellent J.J. Abrams impersonation on 'Cloverfield,' can also be mounted on revisionist version of Frankenstein, which sorta makes him king from the reboots. In the end: three's a trend! [Deadline] This is correct: twentieth century Fox has acquired 'The Three Misfortunes of Geppetto' for Shawn Levy ('Real Steel') to direct. The film is really a prequel to 'Pinocchio,' which concentrates on the titular Geppetto and the unrequited passion for a woman named Julia Moon. Per Deadline, the spec script has been in comparison to 'Big Fish' and 'The Princess Bride.' [Deadline] "Ultimately It could have been too large one step to consider. Some company directors do get it done. That guy Rupert Wyatt designed a really low budget movie known as 'The Escapist' after which he required on 'Rise from the Planet from the Apes' and did an incredible job. But he's a braver guy than me." 'Attack the Block' director Joe Cornish on why he switched lower the opportunity to direct 'Die Hard 5.' Wise move, Joe. [indieWIRE/The Playlist] Let us finish this the way in which we began: within the Hamptons. Possible Best Picture leader 'The Artist' gained the crowd award at HIFF. [Deadline] [Photo: Everett Collection] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook RELATED

Back Stage Blogger in Year of 'The Walking Dead'

The second season of AMC's considerably acclaimed original series "The Walking Dead" features a familiar addition towards the cast. Emily Kinney, among Back Stage's longtime actor-authors on Unscripted, has grew to become an associate from the show since the character of Jesse Greene. Kinney can be a Broadway and TV veteran. She's in the alternative cast of "Spring Awakening" and along with the united states . States with "August: Osage County." On Tv she's stood a recurring role in "The Big C," additionally to turns in "The Truly Amazing Wife," "The Unusuals" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." She also recently released "Blue Toothbrush," an aura of original tunes. Read Emily's recent posts on Unscripted through which she revealed her secret about in the show, additionally to her experience working the red-colored-colored carpet in La. And make sure to find her in approaching cases of "The Walking Dead," which starts its season on Sunday, March. 16th.

Fresnadillo Exit In The Crow Confirmed

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has departed Relativity Media’s reboot from the Crow, Deadline has confirmed, following recently’s news in the Toronto Film Festival the The spanish language director includes a holding deal to helm Summit Entertainments reboot of Highlander, compiled by Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. Twitchfilm today referred to the “revolving door” around the Crow, that has seen multiple company directors, authors and stars appear and disappear. In Fresnadillo’s situation, in one “reboot” to a different. Production on Highlander is scheduled to start early in the year.

'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Revives Darth Maul

Darth Maul is dead. I saw that guy die. "The Phantom Menace" has performed no less than 10 occasions during my existence, and numerous more occasions within the lives of the other friendly neighborhood Movies Blog authors too. The inked, spike-studded, dual-lightsaber-carrying Sith apprentice was cleaved in two by Obi-Wan Kenobi by movie's finish, and our desires ongoing Maul masterdom died with him. Approximately we thought. George Lucas has once more defied anticipation by breathing existence back to Darth Maul's lung area. Entertainment Weekly reviews the Sith menace has been raised from the dead within the year of "Clone Wars," although the exact how's and why's remain murky. Fortunately, that is what you've us for. Following the jump, browse the Movies team's best guesses regarding how Darth Maul might be alive. Stitch The Sith We are speaking in regards to a George Lucas creation here. You will find that Darth Maul is returning, it's surprising it required him such a long time to do this. What is a tiny factor like being cut in two with a lightsaber and falling right into a bottomless pit if you have the Emperor in your corner? I am sure all it required would be a couple of Pressure lightning stitches to find the Zabrak Sith The almighty like new. -Terri Schwartz, MTV Movies adding author Bloodstream Miracle With Maul's body destroyed beyond repair, the dark lords from the Sith have to use ancient and evil magics, much more sinister compared to Pressure. A sacrifice of 100 slaves is created, as well as their bloodstream incurs an enormous pool. In the corpses of 100 condemned souls increases a brand new and much more menacing Maul than in the past. Men, let us face the facts: bloodstream miracle rocks !. -John Phares, MTV Movies adding author Obey Your Thirst It's apparent, is not it? When Obi-Wan cut Darth Maul in two with Qui-Gon's lightsaber, the edge immediately cauterized the wound, keeping all his vital organs intact and held inside. Granted, the tumble in to the bottomless pit could not happen to be a enjoyable experience, but George Lucas, Maul's true master, was waiting at the end having a can of Sprite along with a hot bowl of soup to nurse him to health insurance and sustain him for later economic exploitation. This really is literally the only real explanation I'll believe. -Kevin Sullivan, MTV Movies editorial assistant The Actual Answer To lick with an old friend's famous line no! It isn't true! No one is able! -Josh Wigler, MTV Movies Blog editor Inform us that which you think about Darth Maul's resurrection within the comments as well as on Twitter!