Entertainment blogging from The Oklahoman's Brandy McDonnell

Kristin Chenoweth “devastated” about the cancellation of U.K. tour dates

Actress/singer Kristin Chenoweth, who hails from Broken Arrow, says she is “devastated” about the cancellation of her U.K. concert tour.

According to Playbill.com, the four-city tour was scheduled to begin Monday at the London Coliseum.

“We regret to announce that we are unable to present our planned UK tour with Tony and Emmy Award winning star Kristin Chenoweth and that the tour has therefore been cancelled. We are deeply sorry to disappoint Kristin’s many UK fans, who so readily bought tickets to see her in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff,” according to a statement on Playbill.com.

“We wish to make it clear that the decision to cancel the tour is a result of Speckulation Entertainment’s unforeseen circumstances, and that Kristin is saddened not to be able to perform here as planned. She was looking forward to performing to her sold-out audiences.”

Chenoweth took to Twitter (@KChenoweth) to express her disappointment over the cancellation:

“Was ready to go. And now completely devastated. I am Sorry to my uk fans. Not a good day. A horrible day,” she posted this afternoon, adding a photo of herself holding a suitcase.

She also posted on Twitter that the cancellation wasn’t due to snow in the U.K.

“Trust me nobody is more heartbroken than I. Devastated,” she wrote in another tweet.

-BAM

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Video: Trailer for Kristin Chenoweth’s new film “Family Weekend”

Check out a trailer and a new clip for the comedy “Family Weekend,” starring Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine, Olesya Rulin and Shirley Jones.

Here is a synopsis:

“Family Weekend” follows 16-year-old Emily Smith-Dungy (Olesya Rulin) an incredibly motivated, overachiever, who has grown increasingly frustrated with her parents’ lack of support and guidance. Her mom, Samantha (Kristin Chenoweth), is a career-focused, no-nonsense high-powered business executive. Her dad, Duncan (Matthew Modine), is a happy go-lucky artist who can’t be bothered to earn a paycheck. When they missed their daughter’s big jump-roping competition, Emily hits her breaking point and takes it upon herself to restore order in the home. With the help of her siblings, they unite and take their parents hostage in hopes to become a “family” again.

The film is set to open in theaters on March 29 but is already available on VOD (video on demand). It is due on DVD on April 23.

-BAM

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Kristin Chenoweth named godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s new ship Quantum of the Seas

Emmy and Tony award-winning singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth, who hail from Broken Arrow, is adding yet another accolade to her impressive resume: godmother to Royal Caribbean International’s much anticipated new cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas.

The cruise line announced the appointment, which is steeped in maritime tradition, in an unconventional way during a red carpet-inspired commercial that aired during ABC television network’s broadcast of the Oscars.

Chenoweth co-hosted the official Oscars Red Carpet Pre-show and joined Academy Awards host Seth MacFarlane to close the telecast with a big musical number. To see photos and video of their Oscars-closing performance, click here.

Exemplifying what it means to be a leading lady both onstage and off, Chenoweth was chosen for her effervescent personality and ability to wow audiences, according to a news release. Her versatile range of roles made her a natural fit, given that Quantum of the Seas, set to debut in fall 2014, is poised to introduce unprecedented experiences and amenities only attainable on Royal Caribbean International.

Historically an honor reserved for heads of state, politicians and celebrities, godmothers not only break a bottle to christen a ship, but also serve as guiding spirits to its guests and crew. Royal Caribbean looks to capture the essence of the role by choosing women whose life lessons and achievements illustrate the kind of courage, dedication and determination that are an inspiration to all.

“Kristin’s effortless grace and dynamic performances align perfectly with our newest class of ships and we could not be more honored to have her represent Quantum of the Seas,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., in the release. “Working with such a remarkable and versatile woman for one of maritime’s longest standing traditions is an exciting experience.”

Known for their world-class entertainment, Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line to introduce fully-licensed Broadway productions onboard its ships and currently features “Saturday Night Fever,” “Hairspray” and “Chicago: The Musical.” With Chenoweth’s renowned background as an entertainer, the two perfectly complement each other with their commitment to delivering authentic and engaging entertainment.

“I am so excited to be named godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas. I have been lucky to play many roles and I am looking forward to this one,” said Chenoweth in the release.

“I think the Royal Caribbean brand is the perfect match for me, especially with their history of providing exceptional entertainment experiences to their guests.”

The Quantum class of ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, will build upon Royal Caribbean’s legacy of revolutionary ship design and bold innovation, according to the release. At 158,000 gross registered tons (GRT) and with a capacity of 4,100 guests based on double occupancy, the ships will debut in fall 2014 and spring 2015, respectively.

“Our ships have always been designed for WOW and with Quantum of Seas, we are excited to introduce Quantum cruising and the ‘at sea’ firsts that our guests have come to expect from Royal Caribbean,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in the release. “We look forward to working with Kristin and having her officially name our ship when she is delivered in the fall of 2014.

Additional details about Quantum of the Seas will be unveiled in the coming months. For more information, follow @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter.

-BAM

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Photos and video: Kristin Chenoweth and Seth MacFarlane close Oscars with tribute to the losers

Emmy- and Tony-winning singer/actress Kristin Chenoweth, who hails from Broken Arrow, joined Oscar host Seth MacFarlane for a musical closing number Sunday night at the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

Resplendent in a golden Carolina Herrera gown, Chenoweth teamed with MacFarlane to belt a variation of the Frank Sintra standard “Here’s to the Losers” with lyrics updated to pay tribute to the stars going home empty-handed at Sunday’s awards.

“I had a blast tonight singing with @sethmacfarlane. He KILLED it! So good!” Chenoweth posted on Twitter (@KChenoweth) after the show.

To read my Oscars live blog, click here.

The Oklahoma native also co-hosted the official Oscars Red Carpet Pre-Show, where she perkily interviewed many of the nominees and looked lovely in a Tony Ward Couture black and silver gown. To see a photo gallery of Chenoweth in her red carpet best, click here.  To check out my live blog/photo gallery of the red carpet festivities, click here.

According to JustJared.com, Chenoweth donned a third look – a black Giorgio Armani dress with a white train – for the post-Oscar party at Sunset Tower.

“Not gonna make all the Oscar parties. Went to two and now I’m turning Into a pumpkin,” Chenoweth posted on Twitter.

After the break, see the video of Chenoweth and MacFarlane performing together to close the Oscars:

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Live blog: 2013 Academy Awards

7:30 p.m.: “And the quest to make Tommy Lee Jones laugh begins now!” declares Seth MacFarlane. And the notoriously grumpy best supporting actor nominee actually cracks a smile! So, we’re not even a minute in and it’s already going well.

 

7:31: Seth looks charming in a tuxedo, he’s self-deprecating about everyone else turning the job down, and he’s cracking jokes about Hollywood not knowing the director of “Argo”: Ben Affleck. The Coppola family, Daniel Day-Lewis’s Method acting techniques and the Hollywood prospects of “The Artist” star Jean Dujardin are the softballs he’s throwing at the outset. But Seth starts to get a bit feistier when he jokes that “Django Unchained” is the kind of movie about violence against blacks that Rihanna and Chris Brown consider a date movie. Now we’re talking. “Don’t worry, that’s as bad as it gets,” Seth says with a grin. “That’s not as bad as it gets.”

7:36: Now we’ve got William Shatner beaming in, in his James T. Kirk “Star Trek” uniform, claiming he’s here to prevent Seth from ruining the Oscars. Shatner is showing a clip he claims is from the future past of Seth and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles performing a tribute to Oscar-nominated actresses called “We Saw Your Boobs.” This is totally surreal. Outrageously funny, a whole lot weird, but mostly filled with a sense that the animated cast of “Family Guy” is due onstage at any moment.

7:39: The odd couple of Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron are arriving to soft-shoe through Seth singing the standard “The Way You Look Tonight” in an effort to save the Oscars. Shatner is now revealing that it’s better, but Seth’s sock-puppet reenactment of “Flight” is still going to doom the telecast. Cue sock-puppet reenactment. OK, when does Stewie get here? This is priceless and I’m waiting for the Academy to snag Seth with a big hook.

7:42: “You’re a white guy in 2013. You can’t do black hand!” Shatner exclaims. Bet you never thought you’d hear that line, huh?

7:43: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Daniel Radcliffe join Seth to sing and soft-shoe to sing “High Hopes.” It’s star-studded and has a bizarre sense of humor, this opening. Mostly I can’t believe the Hollywood establishment hasn’t had everything go to static.

7:44: Bet you never thought you’d see Seth dressed as “The Flying Nun” and chatting in a clip with Sally Field about how hot she was as the flying nun. He’s hitting on her and they’re driving off in a Trans-Am to the tune of “Eastbound and Down.” Shatner reveals how his stealing the winner caused Amy Adams to go rabid and bite a guy. So weird. Fun in a befuddling kind of way, mostly because I can’t believe Seth is actually getting away with this!

7:46: Seth is rounding up the intro with a version of “Be Our Guest” that insults the best picture nominees and Joaquin Phoenix, who definitely deserves it. I just feel like we all got away with something, folks.

7:47: OK. Snap back to reality, people. Octavia Spencer looks lovely and she’s going to present the first award of the night, best supporting actor to one of these gents:

Alan Arkin Argo

Robert De Niro Silver Linings Playbook

Philip Seymour Hoffman The Master

Tommy Lee Jones Lincoln

Christoph Waltz Django Unchained

7:50: Winner: Christoph Waltz! This is the best Oscars ever! I never thought he would beat De Niro. He’s paying tribute to his fellow nominees and then his character, Dr. King Schultz, or rather his creator, Quentin Tarantino, as well as his co-stars. “He participated in a hero’s journey, the hero being Quentin, and you scaled the mountain because you weren’t afraid of it,” Waltz says. “Sorry, I borrowed my character’s words. Couldn’t resist.” After bringing Travolta back and making Samuel L. Jackson the coolest man ever, the best move QT ever made was casting this guy in “Inglourious Bastards.” CW wins the Oscars the uptight Academy will never give QT. (They might give him a writing award, but I don’t think we’ll ever see Tarantino win best director or best picture.)

7:55: Paul Rudd and Melissa McCarthy are continuing the hilarity, with their ridiculously bad acting as they awkwardly reveal that they never get any animated voiceover opportunities. They’re going to give the Oscar for best animated short film. There are some awesome nominees. My favorite is “Adam and Dog,” I love “Fresh Guacamole,” but I’m betting on “Paperman” and Disney:

Adam and Dog

Minkyu Lee

Fresh Guacamole

PES

Head over Heels

Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly

Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Da ycare”

David Silverman

Paperman

John Kahrs

7:58: Winner: “Paperman.” The Academy actually got the nominated short films out to everyone this year. Don’t know if it made a difference, but this a criminally underappreciated art form.

7:59: Now, they’re going to present the best animated feature film. And speaking of underappreciated, I’m rooting for “Brave.”

Brave

Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman

Frankenweenie

Tim Burton

ParaNorman

Sam Fell and Chris Butler

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

Peter Lord

Wreck-It Ralph

Rich Moore

8:00: Yes! Winner: “Brave.” Mark Andrews is thanking the usual suspects, but he “just happened to be wearing the kilt.” Kudos to Brenda Chapman for winning as the first female director to make a Pixar movie. She’s thanking her daughter, who inspired the story, which is revolutionary for the fairytale rules it breaks.

8:01: It’s been 30 minutes without a montage. Oh, wait. Reese Witherspoon is introducing the clip reel for three of the nine best picture nominees: “Les Miserables,” “Life of Pi” and “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Three terrific films. It’s such a strong field this year.

8:04: Seth has some fun at the expense of youngest-ever best actress nominee Quvenzhané Wallis. “To all of you nominated for an Oscar, well done. You’ve done something a 9-year-old can do.” He goes on to quip that QW told him “I hope I don’t lose to that old lady Jennifer Lawrence” and notes that it’s 16 years before QW will be too old to date George Clooney. Ouch.

8:06: “Avengers” stars Robert Downey Jr. Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans and Mark Ruffalo are using their presenting of the best cinematography award to hilariously poke fun at one another’s height, age and checkered personal history. Here are the noms:

Anna Karenina

Seamus McGarvey

Django Unchained

Robert Richardson

Life of Pi

Claudio Miranda

Lincoln

Janusz Kaminski

Skyfall

Roger Deakins

8:07: Winner: Claudio Miranda for “Life of Pi.” Well-deserved, but I so want Roger Deakins to win an Oscar. After 10 nominations, when will that day come. Miranda is pretty charming as he breathlessly thanks everyone.

8:08: Back to the “Avengers” guys, as Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson playfully argue as they prepare to give the best visual effects award, the only nom for “The Avengers.”

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and

R. Christopher White

Life of Pi

Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron,

Erik-Jan De Boer and Donald R. Elliott

Marvel’s The Avengers

Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and

Dan Sudick

Prometheus

Richard Stammers, Trevor Wood, Charley Henley

and Martin Hill

Snow White and the Huntsman

Cedric Nicolas-Troyan, Philip Brennan,

Neil Corbould and Michael Dawson

8:09: “Superheroes. We can’t even get an envelope open,” Jackson cracks before giving another visual prize to “Life of Pi.” Again, well-deserved.

It’s important to note that there were protests going on along the Oscar red carpet tonight because the company that did these FX just declared bankruptcy.

8:11: Bill Westenhofer tried to bring up the bankruptcy issue and about that time became the first victim of the go-away-your-speech-is-too-long music. This year it’s the theme from “Jaws,” which is just hilarious to me. If they’re gonna cut your big moment short, at least they can be funny about it.

8:12: I’m enjoying Seth’s work on this show, but can we get the “Avengers” guys to host next year? There’s more of them and they’re incredibly charming and handsome and funny.

8:15: Channing Tatum is back with the red-clad and beautiful Jennifer Aniston to give the awards for makeup/hair styling and costume designer awards. “Magic Mike” star Tatum says they all owe them so much, except Clooney, “who rolls out of bed camera ready.” Ha!

Costume design is first and Coleen Atwood better win for her “Snow White” movie:

Anna Karenina

Jacqueline Durran

Les Misérables

Paco Delgado

Lincoln

Joanna Johnston

Mirror Mirror

Eiko Ishioka

Snow White and the Huntsman

Colleen Atwood

8:17: Durran wins on her third nomination on a Joe Wright film. Atwood was robbed. Her costumes for Charlize Theron out-acted Kristen Stewart in “Snow White and the Huntsman.” I know that doesn’t sound that hard, but we are talking about inanimate objects here. Anyway, the costumes in that movie were incredible.

8:18: Now for the award in makeup and hairstyling. I guess the team that got to wax Channing for “Magic Mike” has already been richly rewarded. And seriously, why is “Hitchcock” even nominated here?

Hitchcock
Howard Berger, Peter Montagna and Martin Samuel
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Peter Swords King, Rick Findlater and Tami Lane
Les Misérables
Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell

8:19: Score one for “Les Mis.” Why does the hair styling award always seem to go to someone who looks like they’ve never met a comb? Of course, these ladies won for making Hugh Jackman look super-scruffy and giving Anne Hathaway a buzz cut, so maybe it’s to be expected.

8:20: Seth: “Lot of beautiful women here tonight. For those of you who gave themselves the flu two weeks ago to get there, really paid off.” Snort. He’s introducing Halle Berry to the tune of the James Bond theme, so it must be time for the 50th anniversary Bond tribute. “We do it with music, which is inexorably linked to Bond as martinis, exotic cars and Pussy Galore,” Berry quips. I’m a big James Bond fan, so I’m not going to make an exception for it in my anti-montage campaigning.

8:24: Dame Shirley Bassey takes the stage in an appropriately glistening golden gown with long golden gloves and golden choker to belt “Goldfinger” in that distinctive deep voice.

8:27: Shirley Bassey gets a well-deserved standing ovation. Get ‘em, Dame Shirley. Adele, sweetie, the ball’s in your court.

8:32: “Django Unchained” stars Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington – who looks worthy of a heroic quest in that red dress – are going to give the best live action short film award. Go “Curfew.” Or “Death of a Shadow.” Both are awesome.

Asad

Bryan Buckley and Mino Jarjoura

Buzkashi Boys

Sam French and Ariel Nasr

Curfew

Shawn Christensen

Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw)

Tom Van Avermaet and Ellen De Waele

Henry

Yan England

8:33: Winner: “Curfew.” I’m so glad the Academy is finally giving this medium some respect by making sure all the voters got a chance to see them and vote, because the shorts have become my favorite categories. Shawn is thanking the Academy for just that before rattling off his thank yous, including his deserving 12-year-old co-star Fatima Ptacek. See these movies, people.

8:34: Now for the short docs. Go “Inocente!”

Inocente

Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine

Kings Point

Sari Gilman and Jedd Wider

Mondays at Racine

Cynthia Wade and Robin Honan

Open Heart

Kief Davidson and Cori Shepherd Stern

Redemption

Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill

8:35: Winner: “Inocente!” I love that the young once-homeless artist who is the subject of this incredible short doc is there to accept the award alongside the filmmakers. Sean Fine makes a passionate plea to give more respect to the arts, which he says are dying in this country. Well said. Kudos all around. Again, see these short films, people. They are amazing.

8:37: Seth takes a playful jab at Harvey Weinstein on the way to introducing Liam Neeson, who is going to introduce the next three best pic nominees, the historical ones: “Argo,” “Lincoln,” “Zero Dark Thirty.” Can we just let Liam talk the rest of the show? I don’t really care what he says, I just love the voice.

8:38: “Argo” features my favorite Led Zeppelin song, “When the Levee Breaks,” which is now being played at the Oscars. Just one of the many reasons why it’s awesome. Zeppelin for best pic!

8:41: You knew Seth wasn’t going to let the comedy gold of “Gigli” pass him by. He ribs Affleck’s comeback story, adding “I feel like we’re six months away from calling him Benjamin Affleck.” He got to insult the Kardashians when talking about Ben’s “Argo” facial hair, too, so bonus points!

8:42: Ben good-naturedly thanks Seth before presenting best documentary feature, which is going to “Searching for Sugar Man,” and rightly so.

5 Broken Cameras

Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi

The Gatekeepers

Dror Moreh, Philippa Kowarsky and Estelle Fialon

How to Survive a Plague

David France and Howard Gertler

The Invisible War

Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering

Searching for Sugar Man

Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn

8:43: Winner: “Searching for Sugar Man.” Ben barely had to open the envelope to reveal it. The filmmakers thank Rodriguez as “the best singer alive.” Maybe overstating it a bit, but he’s great and I don’t know that there’s a cooler story in the history of music. They’re also saying that the singer didn’t come to the show tonight because he didn’t want to take away from the filmmakers, “which tells you everything about the man that you need to know.” Very cool, indeed.

8:49: “It’s Sunday, everyone’s dressed up, this is like church, only with more people praying,” Seth cracks. Funny. He’s introducing the lovely pair of Jennifer Garner and Jessica Chastain, who are waxing eloquent about the foreign language film noms. It’s going to go “Amour” as a consolation prize, although I prefer “A Royal Affair.”

Amour

Austria

Kon-Tiki

Norway

No

Chile

A Royal Affair

Denmark

War Witch

Canada

8:50: Winner: “Amour.” Good grief, we have to hear a Haneke speech now. The man hates humanity. Brace yourself.

8:51: Haneke thanks the usual suspects, especially his lead actors on “Amour” and his wife of 30 years, calling her the center of his life. Wow. That was actually not scary. Maybe he doesn’t hate humanity 100 percent. There is still good in him, people.

8:53: John Travolta is a great choice to introduce the Oscar tribute to movie musicals, featuring the cast of best pic nominee “Les Miserables,” Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson of “Dreamgirls” and Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones of “Chicago.” Surely it will be show-stopper. See what I did there?

8:55: It’s been 10 years since she won for “Chicago” and CZJ still looks incredible in that slinky costume. I don’t know if I could hate her more. Plus, she sounds really good, too.

8:57: Of course, with her well-documented weight loss, Jennifer Hudson looks even better than she did in 2006′s “Dreamgirls.” Suddenly, the Oscars are an ad for Weight Watchers. And “American Idol” – girl can belt it!

9:01: Few men look as good as Hugh Jackman in a tuxedo, so I’m glad he’s not in his “Les Mis” rags and raggedy hair to sing his part of the “Les Mis” medley. Anne Hathaway looks much better in her red-carpet best, too. They are belting these songs and sound just beautiful, but I really loved Tom Hooper’s live singing concept that truly let the emotion of these songs come through. I’m betting Oscar voters felt the same way too when they cast their best supporting actress ballots for Hathaway.

9:04: Another well-deserved standing O for the musical tribute and especially the “Les Mis” cast.

9:09: You can tell that the Academy is finally acknowledging that girls can be good at science, too: Chris Pine joined “Star Trek” star Zoe Saldana in hosting the Scientific and Technical Oscars this year. They’re looking all attractive onstage to recap those winners.

9:10: Seth is turning his sharp wit on himself and his “mediocre effort” “Ted.” It’s his way of introducing “Ted” stars Mark Wahlberg and himself as the voice of the foul-mouth teddy bear puppet Ted, and he’s begging to be a part of the big post-Oscars orgy. “All right, it’s at Jack Nicholson’s,” Wahlberg says before going on to introduce the sound mixing Oscar candidates:

Argo

John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Jose Antonio

Garcia

Les Misérables

Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson and Simon Hayes

Life of Pi

Ron Bartlett, D.M. Hemphill and Drew Kunin

Lincoln

Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins

Skyfall

Scott Millan, Greg P. Russell and Stuart Wilson

9:12: Winner: “Les Mix.” Sorry, slip of the keys: “Les Mis.” Well-deserved. That live-singing thing could not have been easy to pull off, even with mostly great singers working on the film (looking at you Helena Bonham-Carter).

9:13: Ted is praising several of the nominated actors as part Jewish and calling Wahlberg an idiot when he doesn’t play along. “Yes, I am Jewish and I want to give money to Israel and continue to work in Hollywood forever,” Ted vows. Seth is even making that old joke funny. Here are the best sound editing noms:

Argo

Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van der Ryn

Django Unchained

Wylie Stateman

Life of Pi

Eugene Gearty and Philip Stockton

Skyfall

Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers

Zero Dark Thirty

Paul N.J. Ottosson

9:15: How weird, it’s a tie. Wahlberg says, yes, it is a tie. The first Oscar goes to “Zero Dark Thirty,” and Ottosson is dedicating it to his son.

9:16: Second winner: “Skyfall.” “This is so cool,” Hallberg says, adding “We always wanted to work on a Bond movie.” Really, who wouldn’t want that, in any capacity?

9:19: On the way to introducing Christopher Plummer, Seth grandly introduces the Von Trapp family singers. And again. And a Nazi comes out and says “they’re gone.” “So that’s that joke,” Seth quips. So ridiculous. But it made me laugh, so there you go.

Plummer is extolling the best supporting actress nominees for their brave performances and perseverance. “I’m sort of sorry to have to introduce a winner, but I look forward to working with any of these ladies in my next 30 years,” Plummer says. Attaboy. Here are winner Anne Hathaway and the rest:

Amy Adams

The Master

Sally Field

Lincoln

Anne Hathaway

Les Misérables

Helen Hunt

The Sessions

Jacki Weaver

Silver Linings Playbook

9:22: Winner: Anne Hathaway gets her first Oscar on her second nomination. She gives Hugh Jackman a hug, Christopher Plummer a kiss and then wipes away a tear as she says “It came true.” She’s telling her fellow nominees that she looks up to all of them, and she tells Hugh Jackman “you’re the best.” She’s thanking all the rest of the usual suspects and then jokes “please say I just thanked everyone.” And she didn’t forget to thank her husband, which is always a good idea. “Here’s hoping that someday in the not too distant future the misfortunes of Fantine will only be found in stories and not in real life.”

Nicely done, although I think Sally Field’s speech would have been more daring. It would have been interesting to see if she could top “you like me, you really like me!” Oh, well, we can still hope for Jennifer Lawrence, though I’m betting on Jessica Chastain.

9:29: It’s just the Academy president speaking, so continue making your sandwich or checking the score of the Thunder game.

9:33: Sandra Bullock left her bubbly personality back on the red carpet. She’s super-serious about presenting best editing:

Argo

William Goldenberg

Life of Pi

Tim Squyres

Lincoln

Michael Kahn

Silver Linings Playbook

Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers

Zero Da rk Thirty

Dylan Tichenor and William Goldenberg

9:35: Winner: “Argo” finally gets one. It’d better not be the last.

9:36: Ladies and gentlemen, Adele. She looks glam in her sparkly black dress – it’s a different glittery little black number than her red carpet gown – and she sounds amazing, as usual. She better have her speech ready, because there’s no way she’s not winning this thing.

9:43: Nicole Kidman is going to present the next round of best picture nominees: “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Django Unchained” and “Amour.” Talk about diversity. There’s all kinds of love, as these films prove.

9:47: The “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” franchises cross over as Daniel Radcliffe and a limping Kristen Stewart take the stage to give the production design Oscar:

Anna Karenina

Production Design: Sarah Greenwood

Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Production Design: Dan Hennah

Set Decoration: Ra Vincent and Simon Bright

Les Misérables

Production Design: Eve Stewart

Set Decoration: Anna Lynch-Robinson

Life of Pi

Production Design: David Gropman

Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock

Lincoln

Production Design: Rick Carter

Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

9:48: Winner: “Lincoln.” Not a surprise, but I still agree with my colleague George Lang that “Moonrise Kingdom” deserved at least a nod in this category. It’s not like “Lincoln” is going to go home empty-handed with Spielberg and Day-Lewis in its corner.

9:50: The ever-lovely Salma Hayek takes the stage in a high-necked but still sexy black gown with golden beads. She is paying tribute to the Governor’s Award honorees: D.A. Pennebaker, George Stevens Jr., Hal Needham, and Jeffrey Katzenberg.

9:56: By the way, KStew was on crutches on the red carpet, so she’s apparently injured her foot again. Not sure how, though.

9:57: Has anyone ever looked more handsome and distinguished with a graying beard and coiffure than George Clooney? It’s ridiculous. At any rate, he’s introducing the annual In Memoriam segment, which includes actors Ernest Borgnine, Jack Klugman, Celeste Holm, Michael Clarke Duncan and Charles Durning, Beastie Boy Adam Yauch (as a musician and film exec), director Tony Scott, songwriter Hal David, writer-director Nora Ephron, writer Ray Bradbury, producer Richard Zanuck, composer-songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Marvin Hamlisch and many behind-the-scenes folks.

10:02: Barbra Streisand takes the stage in a flowing, golden-black glittering gown to pay tribute to Hamlisch by singing his “The Way We Were.” Babs sounds great. So far, Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and Adele have all sung on tonight’s Oscars. It’s like the Oscars are saying “take that Grammys!” Not surprisingly, Babs gets a big standing O.

10:06: After taking flak practically every year for who gets let out of the In Memoriam tribute, the Academy gets smart and realizes we have the Interwebz! Here is a link to the extended In Memoriam tribute gallery: http://oscar.go.com/photos/85th/show/in-memoriam-2012?cid=AMPAS_inmemoriam.

10:07: Seth jokes that Rex Reed will be coming out to review Adele’s performance, and he says that the cast of “Chicago” is coming out on the 10th anniversary of the musical winning best picture “because we’re concerned the show isn’t gay enough yet.” Ha!

Still, here comes Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah and Catherine Zeta-Jones to give the best original score prize. Just in time, I almost forgot that this was an awards show.

Anna Karenina

Dario Marianelli

Argo

Alexandre Desplat

Life of Pi

Mychael Danna

Lincoln

John Williams

Skyfall

Thomas Newman

 

10:10: Winner: Queen Latifah isn’t afraid to shout it out: “Life of Pi.” Well deserved. It was a very distinctive, beautiful and appropriately transcendent global score.  Danna beautifully dedicates the award to his sons.

10:12: I cry foul! I can’t believe that once again we didn’t get to hear all five best original song nominees performed live. At least we’ve got Norah Jones coming out to perform “Everybody Needs a Best Friend,” and we had “Skyfall” and “Suddenly” featured earlier in the show. But I would have adored seeing Scarlett Johansson and violinist Joshua Bell perform “Before My Time” live. Who wouldn’t want to see that?

Before My Time

Chasing Ice

Music and Lyric by J. Ralph

Everybody Needs A Best Friend

Ted

Music by Walter Murphy

Lyric by Seth MacFarlane

Pi’s Lullaby

Life of Pi

Music by Mychael Danna

Lyric by Bombay Jayashri

Skyfall

Skyfall

Music and Lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth

Les Misérables

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg

Lyric by Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boublil

10:16: Yep, the winner is Adele’s “Skyfall.” “Thank you so much. Thank you! This is amazing,” she exclaims, getting choked up as she thanks the Broccoli family for believing in her and thanking her man before yielding to Epworth, who calls her “the best person I’ve ever worked with.”

10:23: Oops, it seems that Seth and the writers forgot to write through to the end of the three-hour-plus show. Seth’s lost his mojo. Anyway, the statuesque Charlize Theron and charming and diminutive Dustin Hoffman are going to present the writing awards, starting with best adapted screenplay:

Argo

Screenplay by Chris Terrio

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Screenplay by Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin

Life of Pi

Screenplay by David Magee

Lincoln

Screenplay by Tony Kushner

Silver Linings Playbook

Screenplay by David O. Russell

10:25: Winner: “Argo.” Terrio breathlessly shares the award with his fellow nominees, lavishly thanks Ben Affleck, a past winner of a writing Oscar, and dedicates the prize to real-life “Argo” hero Tony Mendes.

10:26: Now, it’s time for the best original screenplay:

Amour

Written by Michael Haneke

Django Unchained

Written by Quentin Tarantino

Flight

Written by John Gatins

Moonrise Kingdom

Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola

Zero Dark Thirty

Written by Mark Boal

10:27: Winner: Quentin Tarantino, with his second Oscar, after “Pulp Fiction”! He thanks Mr. Hoffman and notes with a laugh that Charlize is his neighbor. He thanks his actors by gushing that he only gets one chance to cast the right person to make his characters come to life and endure and he feels like he really did it that time. He ends by noting, “In both the original and adapted categories, the writing is just fantastic. This will be the writers’ year!” Indeed.

10:29: Not surprisingly, we’re going over time. Seth jokes that “Since we’ve already been here this long, we’re going to go ahead and start the 2014 Oscars.” Ugh.

10:32: Seth is introducing two children of Hollywood families, who “remember when there was nothing but cocaine trees as far as the eye can see.” Snort. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) They’re going to present best director … to Steven Spielberg.

Amour

Michael Haneke

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Benh Zeitlin

Life of Pi

Ang Lee

Amour

Michael Haneke

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Benh Zeitlin

Life of Pi

Ang Lee

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg

Silver Linings Playbook

David O. Russell

10:35: Whoa, upset alert! Winner: Ang Lee wins for “Life of Pi.” He takes a bow and quips “thank you, movie god.” He’s thanking the usual folks, but I’m still in shock. “Life of Pi” was a beautiful, moving, technologically stunning film, and I expected Lee would someday win a second Oscar (he got his first best director Oscar for “Brokeback Mountain”). But I didn’t think Lee had a prayer of beating Spielberg and “Lincoln.” Wow.

10:40: Jean Dujardin of “The Artist” is back with his sexy French accent and winning smile. I’ve missed him. He’s going to give best actress to either Jessica Chastain or Jennifer Lawrence. Honestly, I hope it’s a tie:

Jessica Chastain

Zero Dark Thirty

Jennifer Lawrence

Silver Linings Pla ybook

Emmanuelle Riva

Amour

Quvenzhané Wallis

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Naomi Watts

The Impossible

10:42: Winner: Jennifer Lawrence wins on her second nom! “You guys are just standing up because you feel sorry for me because I fell and that’s just sad,” she starts out. She’s breathlessly thanking everyone and just keeps saying “thanks.” I was hoping it would be more colorful, but still, gotta love her. And I’m really glad she didn’t fall.

10:45: Seth says “Our next presenter needs no introduction” – and walks off. That made me laugh out loud, especially since it’s Meryl Streep, and she really doesn’t need an intro. She’s going to give best actor … to Daniel Day-Lewis. And I’m pretty sure that ellipses is right this time:

Bradley Cooper

Silver Linings Pla ybook

Daniel Day-Lewis

Lincoln

Hugh Jackman

Les Misérables

Joaquin Phoenix

The Master

Denzel Washington

Flight

10:48: Meryl didn’t even open the envelope before saying the winner is Daniel Day-Lewis, who becomes the first actor to ever win the lead actor category three times. He gets a giant standing O. Respect. “I really don’t know how any of this happened. I do know that I’ve received more than my fair share of good fortune in this life,” he says.

He then straight-facedly jokes that he was originally cast to play Margaret Thatcher and Meryl was Spielberg’s first choice to play Lincoln. “I would have liked to have seen that version,” Day-Lewis says, adding he did have to convince Spielberg not to make “Lincoln” a musical once he got the part. He also praises his wife as the versatile one, noting that she’s had to live with any number of strange men in his career.

This guy is hilarious. I want him to host next year!

10:52: Seth introduces the incomparable Jack Nicholson, who jokes that he’s presenting solo so he won’t make any stupid comments about sequins or chiffon. But he’s kicking it to silver-gown-clad First Lady Michelle Obama, who is eloquently extolling the virtues of the nine nominees and of the impact of the arts, especially on America’s children.

“Well, no one’s gonna mess with that, are they?” Jack quips, then introduces the nominees:

Amour

Margaret Menegoz, Stefan Arndt, Veit Heiduschka

and Michael Katz, Producers

Argo

Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck and George Clooney,

Producers

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Dan Janvey, Josh Penn and Michael Gottwald,

Producers

Django Unchained

Stacey Sher, Reginald Hudlin and Pilar Savone,

Producers

Les Misérables

Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward and

Cameron Mackintosh, Producers

Life of Pi

Gil Netter, Ang Lee and David Womark, Producers

Lincoln

Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers

Silver Linings Playbook

Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen and Jonathan

Gordon, Producers

Zero Dark Thirty

Mark Boal, Kathryn Bigelow and Megan Ellison,

Producers

10:55: Michelle Obama is opening the envelope… the winner is: “Argo”!

YAY! Ben Affleck looks stunned!

Producer Grant Heslov says “I know what you’re thinking: The three sexiest producers alive.” Big laughs, because with him, Affleck and Clooney, it’s pretty much true.

Grant is thanking all the usual folks and then eloquently thanking producer/director/star Ben Affleck, who is breathlessly acknowledging Steven Spielberg, “who I feel is a genius,” and the other eight films. He’s thanking everyone who was involved with the movie in any way, Tony Mendes, Canada, and our “friends in Iran,” and then thanks his wife Jennifer Garner, “whom I don’t normally associate with Iran.” He winds up by acknowledging than when he won his first Oscar, he had no idea what he was doing or how lucky he was. He says that he has since learned you can’t hold grudges no matter how hard it is, you have to work harder than you ever possibly thought you could and it doesn’t matter how you get knocked down – that’s gonna happen – you gotta get back up. Good speech. And a well-deserved honor.

11:01: Looking splendid in a tight silver gown with a full skirt, Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth joins Seth to sing “Here’s to the Losers,” a tribute to the ones who wonder what they got dressed up for and will have fake smiles pasted on tonight. They’re naming names now, starting with encouraging Bradley Cooper to get his chin off the floor. It’s very funny, but our local ABC station is too busy promoting tomorrow’s “snowpocalyse” to let us hear the second verse. Thanks KOCO-5! Classy!

At least we get to hear Kristin and Seth’s big finish with the cheeky “Here’s to the Losers.” As their song goes, bless them all.

Thanks for following this year’s Oscars live blog. As you zip over to the Walmarts to stock up on milk, bread and TP for the coming “snowmaggedon,” please drive safely.

-BAM

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Live blog and photo gallery: 2013 Oscars red carpet

6:00 p.m.: The official Oscars Red Carpet Pre-show is commencing, and Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth looks lovely as she opens the proceedings. I love the idea of decorating the red carpet with sketches of iconic Hollywood dress designs.

6:01: Kristin and Kelly Rowland both look glamorous in black and white, while co-host and “Good Morning America” anchor Lara Spencer is decked out in a sparkling off-white off-the-shoulder gown. I’m a minute in, and I’m ready to see some COLOR in these dresses!

6:03: How can you not get an uplift seeing Robin Roberts back working the red carpet? Plus, she granted my wish for more color with her flowing, rich deep blue gown.

6:04: Jessica Chastain gushes about meeting Kristin and hopes she hears her sing tonight. KC is set to singing in a big musical finale with Oscar host Seth McFarlane. Best actress nominee Jessica said she went old Hollywood with her gown, a very pale pink. It’s a long copper column with very pale pink beads over, and it looks stunning with her long red hair. So glamorous.

6:05: More mutual admiration – plus, air kisses! – between Lara and “Django Unchained” star Kerry Washington. She’s rocking the color in a long red gown. It’s strapless with a very elaborately beaded white top and a darling little bow at her waist.

6:06: It’s Channing Tatum’s first Oscar night, and he gets to be there with his pregnant wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum. She’s in an elaborate long, black, vaguely floral gown that shows off her bump. Her handsome hubby looks great in a tux – what doesn’t that man look good in, amIright, ladies? – and says he’s thrilled to have their baby joy well documented here tonight. Sweet.

6:10: Amanda Seyfried admits that her Alexander McQueen dress makes her feel that she can’t breathe and her organs are slowly being pushed out of her body. She’s honest. She looks beautiful in her flowing pale, pale lavender gown with the shimmering floral motif and keyhole neckline. She says she also had to wear a corset during “Les Miserables.” Kristin says she wants to see Amanda on Broadway after her two successful movie musicals. Surprised she hasn’t been there already.

6:11: I knew we could count on 9-year-old dynamo Quvenzhané Wallis to bring the color. She’s got a beautiful royal blue gown with a sparkling black overlay. She’s got an adorable puppy-shaped purse, plus her mom and sister with her. Her mom says she gets to stay up late. And Wallis is in the big casting news today: She will be in the new movie version of the musical “Annie,” so we’ll get to hear her sing. I think Lara’s right: QW can do anything.

6:14: Top fashion designers talk about the movie costumes that inspired them – which range from “Cleopatra” to “A Clockwork Orange” (!) – as well as the Hollywood designers and stars that influenced them, too.

6:15: Jennifer Lawrence is wearing a flowing Dior cupcake of a dress. It’s very light pink and sleeveless. She and Kristin are freaking out over their mutual “Dance Moms” fandom, and KC just got bleeped. Apparently, nothing revs her up like bad reality shows.

6:17: Zoe Saldana is talking about playing Nia Simone in an upcoming biopic. She looks glam in a very pale gown with the elaborate floral strapless neckline with the black border along the hemline. It’s a very different shape than some of the other gowns we’ve seen, but there’s definitely a pastels trend on tonight’s red carpet that it’s following.

6:20: Catherine Zeta-Jones looks gorgeous in a golden bodice with a long sheer skirt overlaid in more gold, and her hubby Michael Douglas is wearing a deep blue tux. CZJ is performing tonight on the telecast, but she’s not giving much away, only that it will be a “musical adventure.”

6:21: It’s hard to believe that it’s Daniel Radcliffe’s first Oscars. He looks great in a basic black tux.

6:22: Naomi Watts has gone with a long metallic silver gown with an, um, interesting neckline. It’s got kind of a birdlike profile that’s very distracting as she talks about spending time with the real-life tsunami survivor she portrays in the fact-based drama “The Impossible,” for which she is nominated for the best actress award. Her hubby Liev Schrieber is gone with a crisp white shirt and deep black suit with a skinny black tie.

6:30: Red carpet icon Reese Witherspoon is resplendent in Louis Vuitton, and we’re seeing another trend with the royal blue and black combo in play. It’s a strapless number with the neckline outlined in black and an elegant gather at the back. She’s talking a bit about her acclaimed indie film “Mud.”

6:31: Joseph Gordon-Levitt says he remembers watching the Oscars growing up: “Glitz and glamor, that’s one thing. But movies? Real movies. That’s what I love.” Well said, sir. Along with his tux, he’s wearing socks emblazoned with icicles. I love the pic he tweeted out earlier of Sally Field tying his bow tie.

6:33: Good grief, the actual ceremony hasn’t started yet and we’re already getting our first montage of the night. (If you haven’t followed my live blogs before, you’ll learn I have a low tolerance for montages. After the first two, my patience is pretty much exhausted.)

6:37: Bradley Cooper looks handsome in a tux, and he and KC are reminiscing about her kiss him at the Critics Choice Awards. Now he’s introducing Kristin Chenoweth to his mom, who is his date. His mom is amazed when KC ditches the heels and reveals that Bradley’s petite mother is actually taller than she. Now, Bradley is helping KC back into her shoe: “Every woman in America his having a heart attack right now, including me,” she exclaims! She’s also name-dropping the OKC Thunder now and asking Cooper which team he roots for; the answer, sadly, is the 76ers.

6:40: Lovely couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban look great as usual on the red carpet, although Nicole admits their daughters didn’t like her dress as much as some of the other choices but her hubby overruled. It’s a long, fluid sort of black-gold column with thin straps. She’s giving a shoutout to her nominated pal Naomi Watts.

6:41: Charlize Theron looks so great in her white Dior and super-short ‘do. She’s got lots of praise for nominated costume designer Coleen Atwood who made her look so fearsome as the evil queen in “Snow White and the Huntsman.” Not the best film, but Atwood deserves that Oscar.

6:44: Congratulations to the college film students picked for the Oscars Experience that get to be a part of Hollywood’s biggest night. So far tonight, Hollywood is doing a good job of honoring the past, present and future of the movies.

6:49: Kristin says one of her favorite parts of covering the red carpet is interviewing her friends, and she’s got her Broadway buddy Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness there and they’re chatting enthusiastically. He’s picking up KC to see if she weighs more or less than an Oscar statuette. He’s decided less. She’s praising his wife for having him well-trained as he lifts up both ladies. “This has been a great way to calm down, seeing you,” Hugh says, kissing KC on the cheek. I think they really are friends, since he actually made contact.

6:52: Kelly has “The Avengers” star Chris Evans there, and he’s also brought his mom as his date. He says he most looking forward to seeing “her face, since she’s so excited.” Awww … so cute. All “The Avengers” actors are presenting together tonight, so that should be fun.

6:53: Robert De Niro is with Robin Roberts, and he’s nominated for his seventh Oscar for “Silver Linings Playbook.” She says it’s the first time in decades that one film has actors nominated in all four acting categories. Pretty impressive – and well-deserved. De Niro is full of praise for his co-star, Bradley Cooper. But I’m banking that De Niro wins and Cooper falls before the juggernaut that is Daniel Day-Lewis.

6:54: Daniel Radcliffe is back, this time with co-host Jess Cagle. He’s talking about his diverse post-Harry Potter roles: He’s just going for what’s interesting to him and thinks he’s lucky that he’s felt passionate about everything he’s worked on. He also says that the weirdest question he’s been asked on the red carpet: what he thinks about the European horse meat scandal. “I don’t know why someone would think I’m an authority on that.” That’s a good question.

7:00: The Oscars are just 30 minutes away!

7:01: Jennifer Aniston says she feels “very princess-y” in her flowing bright red gown with her blond hair flowing over her square, sleeveless neckline. It’s Valentino, and it’s stunning. She’s presenting tonight.

7:02: Jennifer Garner is wearing a long, slim custom-made Gucci column gown in a plum color that looks just amazing with her pale skin and dark hair. A fancy train flows from the shoulder blades down, and she’s wearing a beautiful dress. She says she’s most looking forward to seeing KC sing, and she “can’t even talk about” the prospects of her hubby Ben Affleck winning best picture for “Argo.” She dabs her eyes just mentioning it. KC says she’s rooting for her.

7:03: “The red carpet is now complete,” Robin Roberts says in introducing the black-and-silver Versace-clad Halle Berry. HB says she she told Donatella Versace she wanted to look like a Bond girl at the Oscars. There’s a special tribute to the Bond franchise for its 50th anniversary tonight.

7:04: Speaking of Bond, Adele says her long, sparkling black dress weighs 15 kilos so she expects singing her Oscar-nominated song “Skyfall” on the broadcast will be a challenge. She says her style is just wearing what she likes instead of following trends. That policy is working for her tonight; for the Grammys and her red flowered Grammy dress, not so much.

7:05: George Clooney, looking distinguished in his graying hair and beard, and his lady-love Stacey Keibler look stunning. He jokes he sewed the multitude of sequins on her elaborate silver gown. He also jokes he’s now a trivia question, since only he and Disney are nominated in six different categories.

7:06: We have technical difficulties as Jess interviews Sandra Bullock, who is clad in a long sparkling black dress. Doesn’t stop Sandy from being charming. I don’t think anything does.

7:11: “I’m trying not to jump up and down because I love this girl so much,” KC says as Anne Hathaway arrives in an interestingly shaped pale pink Prada gown with a mostly bare back and tons of Tiffany sparkles around her neck. Her dark hair is growing back nicely from her “Les Miserables” turn that earned her an Oscar nom. She says she’s mostly looking forward to performing with the “Les Mis” cast tonight since it represents the end of her journey for her. As it turns out, Anne also correctly guessed the ongoing Oscar mystery that KC has been running this whole time: It’s Dorothy’s slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”

7:14: Jamie Foxx has taken his daughter for a date, and I can’t believe he is old enough to have a 19-year-old daughter! He looks young and handsome and fly in his purple suit that matches her dress. They spent the car ride to the Oscars chatting about love and her college life. He’s directing one of Ron Howard’s Project Imagination short film projects, and he’s trying to cast Kelly Rowland in it right now.

7:16: Daniel Day-Lewis, the once and future best actor winner, looks classy as ever. He says that Abraham Lincoln has stayed in his heart: “Once you discover him, I think he absolutely stays with you forever.” Lara Spencer is gushing about his performance, and it’s hard to blame her. He says working with Spielberg was incredible because his generosity made it feel like a true partnership. “His deep love of the subject made it an absolute pleasure,” DDL says.

7:17: Kristin is exiting the red carpet and moving inside. She says she’s got butterflies. Again, she’s performing with host Seth MacFarlane during the show’s finale.

7:22: KC is inside interviewing the producers, and she’s offering them praise and a huge bottle of antacids. They cast her to sing at the finale, so they’re doing OK so far in my opinion.

7:23: The OU-Texas football rivalry makes it to the Oscars as KC and Renee Zellweger meet backstage. Renee looks lovely as usual in the golden Caroline Herrera gown, per usual.

7:24: Jess Cagle is in the broadcast truck. The red carpet show has jumped the shark. Time to move on.

7:25: The statuesque Queen Latifah looks elegant in Badgley Mischka white, which gives the red carpet broadcast one last opportunity for gushing praise and air kisses.

That’s our cue to move along to the live blog of the actual show, coming up after these messages.

- BAM

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Photo gallery: Kristin Chenoweth at the 2013 Oscars

It’s almost time for the 85th Annual Academy Awards, and I’m gearing up for my annual Oscars live blog tonight here at BAM’s Blog!

The live blogging will begin at 6 p.m. with the Oscars Red Carpet Live official pre-show, hosted by Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth, Entertainment Weekly Managing Editor Jess Cagle and “Good Morning America” anchors Lara Spencer and Robin Roberts. It will air from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on ABC.

The Oscars will air live from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on ABC with Seth MacFarlane hosting. Chenoweth will join MacFarlane in a special show-closing musical performance.

To read my preview of the 2013 Oscars, click here.

Check out these Associated Press photos of Chenoweth arriving on the Oscars red carpet:

-BAM

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Kristin Chenoweth and Seth MacFarlane to give musical performance to close Sunday’s Academy Awards

Oscar show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today that Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth and Seth MacFarlane will participate in a special show-closing musical performance at Sunday’s 85th Annual Academy Awards.

“After the Best Picture award has been given, Seth and Kristin will perform a special number, and we think it will be a ‘can’t miss’ moment,” said producers Zadan and Meron in a news release.

An Emmy- and Tony-winning actress/singer, Chenoweth joins a stellar list of previously announced performers including Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Aaron Tveit and Helena Bonham, Adele, Dame Shirley Bassey, Norah Jones and Barbra Streisand.

Other stars booked for the Oscars broadcast include presenters Jennifer Aniston, Michael Douglas, Jamie Foxx, Paul Rudd, Salma Hayek Pinault, Melissa McCarthy, Liam Neeson, John Travolta, Ben Affleck, Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Mark Wahlberg, Ted and “Marvel’s The Avengers” cast members Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo; returning 2011 Oscar winners Jean Dujardin, Christopher Plummer, Octavia Spencer and Meryl Streep; “Chicago” cast members Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and Zeta-Jones; and special guests Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Daniel Radcliffe, Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday night at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The Oscars will air live from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC with Seth MacFarlane hosting.

As previously reported, Chenoweth also will co-host the Oscars Red Carpet Live official pre-show along with Entertainment Weekly Managing Editor Jess Cagle and “Good Morning America” anchors Lara Spencer and Robin Roberts. The red carpet special will air from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC.

The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

Don’t forget, I’ll be live blogging the Oscars Sunday night here at BAM’s Blog!

About the Academy
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards – in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners – the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people who love movies.

-BAM

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Video: Kristin Chenoweth to co-host official Oscars red carpet pre-show Feb. 24 on ABC

Multi-talented Emmy- and Tony-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth, who hails from Broken Arrow, will join Entertainment Weekly Managing Editor Jess Cagle and “Good Morning America” anchors Lara Spencer and Robin Roberts in hosting the official Oscar pre-show, Oscars Red Carpet Live at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 on ABC.

After the pre-show, Seth MacFarlane will host the 85th Annual Academy Awards, also airing on ABC.

Here is the announcement of the pre-show co-hosts on GMA:

Watch More News Videos at ABC
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2012 Presidential Election
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-BAM

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Blu-ray review: “Hit & Run”

A version of this review appears in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.

“Hit & Run”

In every way, the souped-up vanity project “Hit & Run” is a car crash of a film, a sputtering romantic-comedy road movie that has just enough interesting bits to keep you gawking at it, even when you know you should turn away out of sheer decency.

Along with his fiancée Kristen Bell (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), actor/writer/co-director Dax Shepard (TV’s “Parenthood”) gets many of his Hollywood pals to go on his cinematic ride, including Bradley Cooper, Beau Bridges and Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth. It’s a mystery, then, why he depends on Tom Arnold, who hasn’t been funny in a movie since 1994’s “True Lies,” to provide much of the comic relief in his meandering romp.

Shepard stars as Charlie Bronson, a reformed ne’er-do-well lying low in the tiny hamlet of Milton, Calif., under the Witness Protection Program supervision of bumbling U.S. Marshall Randy Anderson (Arnold, naturally). Charlie has found love with the bright and fetching Annie (Bell, who you have credit for standing by her man), a sociology professor at Milton Valley College. When her pill-popping boss (Chenoweth) arranges for Annie to interview for a prestigious new position at the University of California, the Stanford graduate is excited, until she realizes the job would involve moving to Los Angeles — the one place Charlie can’t go since that’s where he got entangled in Witness Protection.

Charlie, though, insists Annie go to the interview and impulsively offers to drive her to L.A. in his restored 1967 Lincoln Continental. But Annie’s obsessive ex-boyfriend Gil (Michael Rosenbaum) tracks down Alexander Dmitri (Cooper), the head of the bank-robbing gang that Charlie testified against. Dmitri still managed to get away with the crime, and when he hears that Charlie is headed for L.A., the sociopathic delinquent sets out to intercept him and Annie.

Shepard revs up some sweet rides, many from his own car collection, but he and co-director David Palmer don’t have the capabilities to create compelling chase sequences. He and his real-life leading lady use their apparent chemistry to deliver some sharply crafted banter, but other jokes are so poorly penned they fall flat. The filmmaker also depends too much on raunchy sight gags (like a hotel roomful of naked geriatric swingers) and slapstick nonsense (pretty much every moment Arnold spends onscreen, for instance) to fuel the comedy.

Ultimately, Shepard tries to spin “Hit & Run” in too many directions and simply runs out of gas before getting much of anywhere.

Bonus material: A dozen deleted scenes and three brief featurettes.

— BAM

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