• You would think after Church of Scientology minister Reed Slatkin was busted in 2002 for running a 15-year Ponzi scheme, or excuse me, "investment club," Hollywood investors would have learned their lesson. Alas, Bernard Madoff was able to sucker some new victims with his "hedge fund."

• The Screen Actors Guild is pondering a walkout but these writers are having their Best Week Ever. That's because the VH1 comedy series is now covered by the WGA, a union that that won't be going on strike because it already did, before the economy tanked.

• Vladimir Putin wants more Russian movies to make it into the marketplace. The
prime minister is taking personal charge of the country's film industry and recently noted the, "potential of cinema to be a major educational tool and valuable point of reference for society.

• AFI announced its 2008 top ten picks. Making their list of best TV programs was AMC's Breaking Bad and Mad Men . Missing from their list of top movie picks was Slumdog Millionaire

• Iranian media has condemned Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, claiming it shows the West's ignorance and prejudice towards Iran, which it does. The wrestling craze of the 1980's (which is what the movie is about) was filled with offensive characters, like The Ayatollah, to which they take offense. Here's more.

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BIZ 

Madoff claims Hollywood victims

from Variety.com
Business News: Steven Spielberg charity among those affected -- Although it could take months to unravel the full list of people and companies affected by the collapse of money manager Bernard Madoff's $50 billion hedge-fund and alleged Ponzi scheme, published reports include a Steven Spielberg charity as well as familiar names in the Hollywood production and financing communities.

Hollywood Needs its own Car Czar

from Peter Bart
While there may be a delay in the appointment of a "car czar" to help rescue the auto industry, show biz should nonetheless take heed: Hollywood could surely use a czar of its own to get things back on track. 

After-parties feel heat from meltdown, SAG threat

from AP Top Entertainment News At 11:05 ... by SOLVEJ SCHOU
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The sleek shine of a designer gown, the gleam of a trophy, piles of gourmet food, a tipsy laugh. Award-show after-parties have always measured the glitz and glam of Hollywood, from the Golden Globes to the Grammys to the Oscars....  

WGA gets first deal with VH1

from Hollywood Reporter by By Jay A. Fernandez
The writers of "Best Week Ever" are having their best week ever.

Putin takes charge of local film industry

from Variety.com
International News: Politician to chair Russian cinema council -- Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin is taking personal charge of progress in the development of the country's film industry, after a new government advisory body was set up Monday.

SAG STRIKE?

Actors on strike? SAG moves closer

from EW.com: Movies By Lynette Rice
SAG President Alan Rosenberg urges a Yes vote; ballots will go out on Jan. 2 and are due back Jan. 23

SAG strike talk has actors nervous

from L.A. Times - TV News
As the economy reels, many top performers show little appetite for another clash with the studios.  

Actors Backing Down?

from Google Alerts - "screen actors guild" or sag, strike by Radar Online - New York,NY,USA
Screen Actors Guild president Alan Rosenberg has arranged for an emergency national board meeting to talk about the proposal for calling off SAG's strike ... 

Stars Sign Onto SAG 'Solidarity Campaign'

from Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily by Nikki Finke
Screen Actors Guild Announces "Solidarity Campaign" First 31 "Solidarity Signers" add names to list of  members in support of a "yes" vote on the strike authorization referendum. Among the names are several prominent Academy Award nominees and recipients. 

AMPTP, N.Y. actors branch put heat on SAG

from Hollywood Reporter by By Jay A. Fernandez and Andrew Salomon
The AMPTP and SAG's New York board are applying added pressure on guild members to vote against a strike authorization.  

SAG Answers AMPTP's Trade Ad Monday

from Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily by Nikki Finke
The Screen Actors Guild released the following statement in response to AMPTP's trades ad Monday: LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2008) --"There they go again. The AMPTP's ad is great fiction, with convoluted bullet points and confused messages -- and, it's completely wrong.
 
FESTIVALS

Slamdance unveils short film lineup

from Variety.com
Film News: 86 films to run in four competition categories -- The Slamdance Film Festival has selected 86 short films in four competition categories -- documentary, narrative/experimental, animation and the new music video classification.  

Palm Springs honors Clint Eastwood

from Variety.com - Film Festivals
Film Festivals: Filmmaker given Career Achievement award -- Clint Eastwood will be honored with the Career Achievement award at the 20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 6. 

Santa Barbara honors Kate Winslet

from Variety.com - Film Festivals
Film Festivals: Actress to receive Montecito award -- Kate Winslet will be feted with the Montecito award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival Jan. 23 at the Arlington Theater.
 
AWARDS

AFI announces 2008 top 10 picks

from Entertainment News - UPI.com
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The American Film Institute Sunday announced its AFI Awards 2008, recognizing "the year's most outstanding achievements" in film and TV.

'Milk' Named Best Film By NY Critics

from Access Hollywood - Movies
"Milk," Gus Van Sant's movie about gay rights leader Harvey Milk starring Sean Penn, has been named best film by the New York Film Critics Circle.  Penn was also chosen as best actor by the critics, who announced their picks Wednesday.  "Happy-Go-Lucky" also fared well, winning best director for Mike Leigh and best actress for Sally Hawkins. 

L.A. Critics choose 'Wall-E'

from Entertainment Weekly's Oscar Watch by Dave Karger
The often-contrarian Los Angeles Film Critics Association went blockbuster, naming Wall-E their Best Picture of the year with The Dark Knight as runner-up. Last year the LAFCA gave There Will Be Blood a big boost when they named it Best...

Slumdog Millionaire wins at British Independent Film Awards

from Film News from Times Online
Slumdog Millionaire, an urban fairytale from the director of Trainspotting set in Mumbai, was the big winner at the British Independent Film Awards. It won three awards: Best Film, Best Director (for Danny Boyle) and Most Promising Newcomer for Dev Patel, the lead actor.

'Slumdog,' 'Happy' top Satellite nods

from Hollywood Reporter by By Gregg Kilday
"Slumdog Millionaire" was named best motion picture drama and "Happy-Go-Lucky" was named best motion picture comedy or musical at the 13th annual Satellite Awards.

Boston critics hand out honors

from Variety.com - Award Central News
Award Central News: 'Wall-E,' 'Slumdog' share top prize -- It was too close to call in many races as the Boston Society of Film Critics voting resulted in several ties. At the org's annual meeting Sunday , the voting for best picture resulted in Pixar's "Wall-E" and Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" sharing top honors. 

GOLDEN GLOBES

Iran Condemns The Wrestler?

from /Film by orfilms@gmail.com ( slashfilm.com )
Iranian media has condemned Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, claiming that it shows the West's ignorance and prejudice towards Iran. The scene in question is where Mickey Rourke, who plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson, has to fight Earnest "The Cat" Miller, who plays a character named The Ayatollah, who dresses in Middle Eastern garb and waves the Iranian flag before attacking Robinson with the pole. What the Iran press don't seem to understand is that The Ram and The Ayatollah are wrestlers from the 1980's wrestling boom.

Article: The Story Behind Springsteen's 'Wrestler' Song

from Access Hollywood - Movies
Rocker Bruce Springsteen earned a Golden Globe nomination on Thursday for Best Original Song for "The Wrestler," his song from the film of the same name - the latest step on what director Darren Aronofsky told Access Hollywood has been "a very surreal journey."

Video: Evan Rachel Wood Talks 'The Wrestler'

from Access Hollywood - Movies
Evan Rachel Wood talks about working with director Darren Aronofsky in her latest movie, "The Wrestler."

Video: Marisa Tomei Talks 'The Wrestler'

from Access Hollywood - Movies
Marisa Tomei talks about preparing for her Golden Globe-nominated role as a stripper in her latest movie, "The Wrestler."

Video: Mickey Rourke Talks 'The Wrestler'

from Access Hollywood - Movies
Mickey Rourke talks about the rigorous physical training involved while preparing for his latest Golden Globe-nominated role in "The Wrestler."

Video: Darren Aronofsky Talks 'The Wrestler'

from Access Hollywood - Movies
Director Darren Aronofsky talks about the older audience that is connecting with his latest movie, "The Wrestler."

Clint Eastwood nominated for Globe music award

from AP Top Entertainment News At 11:05 ...
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- Clint Eastwood could be taking home a Golden Globe not for acting or directing, but for best original motion picture score in his film "Changeling."...

Globe-winning star wonders about his hair

from CNN.com - Entertainment
Jon Hamm has a confession to make: He hates his hair.

Is Tom Cruise's Role Too Small for Big Awards?

from E! Online - Movie News
How did Tom Cruise get nominated for that small part in Tropic Thunder? Wasn't he only in it for a few scenes? --Annys, Croyden Remember, Judi Dench's almost...

Frank Langella on the big 'Frost/Nixon' controversy

from Entertainment Weekly's Oscar Watch by Dave Karger
With five Golden Globe nominations, largely enthusiastic reviews, and strong early box office, Frost/Nixon has certainly emerged as a top Best Picture contender.

Dustin Hoffman: Globes spotlight

from EW.com: Movies
Dave Karger chats with the nominee about ''Last Chance Harvey,'' Emma Thompson, and dirty jokes

Globes spotlight: Anne Hathaway

from EW.com: Movies
''Rachel Getting Married'' star on how her nominated role helped her ''take a break'' from herself

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Brad Pitt at 84

from Film News from Times Online
Tis the season when Hollywood starts to argue about the Oscars. But one thing just about everybody is agreed upon: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is the most highly anticipated film of the year.

Sam Mendes on his 'Revolutionary Road'

from L.A. Times - Movie News
"Revolutionary Road" marks Sam Mendes' first collaboration with his actress wife, Kate Winslet.

Newsweek: 'Doubt' cast interview

from MSNBC.com: Movies
A conversation with Meryl Streep, the writer-director and Viola Davis 

OSCARS

Oscar Roundup: Dec. 12

from Entertainment Weekly's Oscar Watch by Dave Karger
No fewer than six films with some kind of Oscar chances (ranging from the tightest of locks to darkest of dark horses) hit theaters this week. Here's how Doubt, Gran Torino, The Reader, What Doesn't Kill You, Che, and Wendy...

MOVIES

Weekend Box Office: December 12-14, 2008

from Box Office Mojo - Current Box Office Results
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008) tops the box office with an estimated $31.0 million

Video: Preview: 'Terminator Salvation'

from Access Hollywood - Movies
After Skynet has destroyed much of humanity in a nuclear holocaust, a group of survivors led by John Connor (Christian Bale) struggles to keep the machines from finishing the job. 

New Trailer for 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'

from Box Office Boffo
For those of you who didn't see Fox's "The Day the Earth Stood Still" over the weekend, check out the trailer for the studio's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

Chris Weitz plants a flag on 'New Moon'

from Hollywood Reporter by By Steven Zeitchik
Chris Weitz has been tapped to helm "New Moon," the sequel to Summit Entertainment's vampire breakout "Twilight."

TELEVISION

Mad Men's Christina Hendricks Gets Engaged

from People.com Latest News
The actress plans to wed actor Geoffrey Arend, her rep tells PEOPLE exclusively

'American Idol' Changing Its Tune

from Billboard News - All by James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter
Fox is readying to announce some "American Idol" format changes. The tweaks have been rumored online thanks to a memo leaked to a fan site. With the show's premiere set for Jan. 13, the network will reveal the plans at a news conference on Monday (Dec. 15).

Ratings: Laurence Fishburne pushes 'CSI' over 20 million

from Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider by Aubry D'Arminio
Hello, Larry. Hello, even higher ratings. Preliminary data says 20.6 million checked out Laurence Fishburne on last night's CSI, giving the show an 18 percent bump in viewers from last week and marking the first time since its September debut...

New 'Melrose Place' lands writer

from Hollywood Reporter by By Nellie Andreeva
Mark Schwahn is in negotiations to pen the script for the CW's new "Melrose Place" incarnation.

CNN shuffles on-air news staff

from Hollywood Reporter by By Paul J. Gough
CNN is saying goodbye to several longtime correspondents and promoting others in a reorganization of the Washington, D.C., bureau of the news network.

MTP Wins Big With Gregory's Debut

from mediabistro.com: TVNewser
TVNewser has obtained the overnight ratings from the metered markets for the Sunday morning public affairs shows. NBC's Meet the Press averaged a 4.1/11, well ahead of ABC's This Week (2.9/7), CBS' Face the Nation (2.7/7) and FOX News Sunday (1.5/4).

N.Y. governor not laughing at 'SNL' skit

from MSNBC.com: Television
A "Saturday Night Live" skit portraying New York's blind governor as a bumbling leader didn't get a laugh from Gov. David Paterson.

MUSIC

Chris Brown named artist of the year by Billboard

from AP Top Entertainment News At 11:05 ... by By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY
NEW YORK (AP) -- The accolades keep coming for Chris Brown - this time, he's been named Billboard's top artist of 2008....

Indigo Girls Team With Vanguard For New Album

from Billboard News - All by Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
As tipped here in October, the Indigo Girls have started their own label to release their next album.

Morrissey Unveils New Album In London

from Billboard News - All by Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Morrissey was on hand tonight (Dec. 11) in London to introduce a playback of his new Polydor/Decca album, "Years of Refusal," but he made no comment on recent reports of a Smiths reunion.

Sales of Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' drop sharply

from L.A. Times - Music News
They fall off by 78% during the album's second week in stores.

Britney Spears' No. 1 debut breaks record

from The Hollywood Reporter - Music by By Katie Hasty, Billboard
As expected, Britney Spears' "Circus" makes a big bow at the top of the Billboard 200, becoming her fifth No. 1.

ETC...

Celebrities, music stars hosting inaugural ball

from AP Top Entertainment News At 11:05 ...
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Roll out the red carpet! Paparazzi, ready your cameras! Hollywood and rock stars are bringing their own razzle-dazzle to President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration....

Michael Jackson to sell gates, glove

from Entertainment News - UPI.com
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson plans to sell the gates to his Neverland Ranch, one of his white gloves and 2,000 other items at auction in California.