March 5
Meredith Vieira, Today and Tomorrow
The Today Show hostess with the mostest has extended her contract until September 2011, reports TV Guide. A source tells the New York Times, “For her to say, ‘I embrace these hours, I embrace these people,’ really talks about the strength of the franchise and the power of the franchise." Today is the top-rated morning show and a huge profit center for NBC.
Alice In Wonderland Costumer: Props to Helena Bonham Carter
Working with Tim Burton for the seventh time, the Oscar-winning Colleen Atwood talks with WWD about what it was like to create the costumes for his latest film, Alice in Wonderland. Not surprisingly, she gave mucho credit to the hair and makeup team, who worked wonders on Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen appearance (have you seen that gigantic forehead?). And, like a true collaborator, she was sure to mention the great work of the actress herself: “I think her acting did the intimidating," she says, "not the costume.”
Kathy Griffin’s Girl Kiss Edited Out of SVU
The Advocate points out that although Kathy Griffin was supposed to be seen kissing Mariska Hargitay’s Detective Olivia Benson on Wednesday night’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the scene was cut. Why? Apparently even Griffin's in the dark. The comedian/actress, who played a lesbian activist on the episode, tweeted a surprised-seeming message in response, "They DID cut the kiss w Benson." So, NBC, care to explain?
Is Modern Family Eyeing Delta Burke?
Who should play the "down-home, fun-loving’ ” (as TV Guide puts it) country mama of gay dad Cameron Tucker on Modern Family? The actor who plays Cameron, Eric Stonestreet, is pushing for Designing Women alumna Delta Burke. “Wouldn’t she be great?" he asks TV Guide. "She possesses that sort of kind, Southern quality I think Cameron’s mom would have.” Kathy Bates had been considered for the character, which will debut next season, but her recent role on The Office "made it not as exciting for us," Stonestreet says. Modern Family creator Steve Levitan apparently likes the Burke idea, saying, "We think that could be good." Stay tuned.
Knock, Knock—It's Me, Martha!
USA Today reports that Martha Stewart is working on Help Me, Martha, a reality show on which viewers will submit friends struggling to plan parties or elaborate meals in hopes that the domestic diva will surprise them on their doorstep with advice. Producer Mark Burnett mentions seeing "the joy on people's faces that Martha Stewart is in their home." All we can think is: If Martha were coming over, we'd want a little notice to clean up. And maybe replace all the household furnishings.
Why Oscar's Best Picture Winner Is Harder to Predict Than Ever
CNN.com's Marquee Blog has an interesting piece that describes the complicated voting system put in place this year because there are now 10 movies in contention for Best Picture, not five. It's nowhere near as simple as which film gets the most votes. And apparently it's a system used in a number of political elections as well. Must reading before you fill out your own Oscar ballot for Sunday.