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Oscars Surprises: “Spotlight” Best Picture, Stallone Stopped, Gaga Gagged

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The biggest surprises of last night’s Oscars? First, “Spotlight” prevailed as Best Picture even though most Oscar prognosticators had moved on to “The Revenant” or “The Big Short.” The movie with the big idea wins Best Picture. “The Revenant” was a technical achievement. “Spotlight” was a human story. Bingo.

I know for a fact that if I ever hear the word “Chivo” again I will start screaming.

Second: Sylvester Stallone almost got an Oscar for “Creed.” He won every other award. I thought he deserved the Oscar. He was very good. Instead, two things happened. One, the Academy decided to rebuke the Golden Globes. This happens all the time. Second, the Academy recognized that Mark Rylance is really brilliant, maybe the best stage actor in the world, and that his late entry into movies had to be rewarded ASAP. I am happy for Rylance. I am sad for Stallone.

Third: the travesty over Best Song was outrageous. Diane Warren and Lady Gaga should have won. That Sam Smith song from “Spectre” is the worst James Bond theme in ages. I am convinced that voters just marked it off because it was from a James Bond movie. Warren and Gaga were out and out robbed. Blech.

More later Monday on the parties, and all the juicy stuff from around town on Oscar night…

Will Leonardo DiCaprio’s Carefully Orchestrated “I’m Overdue” Oscar Campaign Bear Fruit Tonight?

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Twenty three years. Six nominations. Will Leonardo DiCaprio’s carefully orchestrated campaign to win an Oscar bear fruit tonight?

Lucky for Leo, competition tonight is light. There’s no Daniel Day Lewis. No surprise film like “The Artist.” No Brit with cred and a hit like Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech.”

Also, in “The Revenant” Leo says about as little as he does in interviews. He may have finally found the role that reflects his P.R.

Last night at a party in the Giorgio Armani boutique, Leo banned press and cameras, or any interviews. Unlike stars such as Cate Blanchett or Anne Hathaway, he came in through a back door and exited the same way. Leo was accompanied by large bodyguards so that Blanchett, Hathaway, etc couldn’t attack him.

He didn’t speak to any of the other movie stars in the room. He took exactly two photos– one with Roberta Armani, and the other with Chadwick Boseman, who happens to be a black actor in a year when diversity is an issue.

“The Revenant” is a movie that’s been totally promoted without press involvement. In New York, there were screenings, dinners, and Q&As designed to keep press away. Same in London.

There is no moment in “The Revenant” when Leo delivers a stirring speech or has a memorable conversation. He grunts, and looks like he’s suffering. He sleeps in a horse carcass.

The whole theme of the Oscar campaign was “He deserves it after all this time.” That may be true. Actors with fewer movies or years put in have zipped past him each time he’s been nominated. That must be a puzzlement. This year, Michael Fassbender was the odds on favorite. But once “Steve Jobs” bombed at the box office, Leo had a clear path to gold.

Will it all work out? Tune in to the Oscars around 8pm Eastern and we will know the answer. PS When he wins, wait for the extremely well written *but dull** lecture on the environment. It will be enough to make you want to go outside and litter on purpose.

Watch Elton John with Lady Gaga Perform a Spectacular Outdoor Duet

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Elton John gave back to the city of West Hollywood yesterday– his free outdoor concert in the Tower Records parking lot was a thank you for 20 years of the city allowing him to put on his Oscar party for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Tonight the party continues and lots of money will be raised for AIDS research and assistance. EJAF is the best run AIDS fundraiser anywhere.

Here are Sir Elton and Lady Gaga:

and Sir Elton rocking it:

Frank Stallone Says Brother Sly Has “Fighting Chance” to Win Oscar Tonight

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Is Sylvester Stallone going to bring home the Oscar tonight for his poignant performance in ‘Creed?” His loyal brother seems to think so. I caught up with actor Frank Stallone at Doris Bergman’s Eighth annual Valentine Romance Oscar Style Lounge & Party at Fig & Olive. Frank told me: “I think my brother has good fighting chance. He sure deserves it.”

Ernie Hudson, and Eva La Rue, Marilu Henner, were among the celebs perusing disnapback.com’s hip hats and clothing line, Samiah Hinton’s Fine Clothing, Sue Wong. Spongelle, Purador hair care, Fit For A Belle fun stylish gym wear, Mahankirn Yogi, Author, Hillel Rzepka’s handmade wearable glass art. Single fashions are always uber popular. Other highlights were Art Lewin’s bowties, socks and pocket squares. Art is the go to guy for custom suits, shirts, anything for Hollywood’s elite well dressed men. My Saint My Hero, Gift of Blessing Bracelets, Marisa Marshall is the talented designer to come up with these affordable, meaningful bracelets. Twisted Silver is hands down the coolest jewelry ever. Described as distinct, chic and timeless, Twisted Silver hits on all counts. Frank and George Chakiris, from “West Side Story,” hung out together in the presenting sponsor Maserati car that was on display. Doris Bergman’s suites are always so plugged in and oh so Hollywood!

The Irish Film Board and IDA celebrating the Irish showbiz peeps at Laurel Hardware. Colin Farrell and Chris O’Dowd, along with Oscar nominated director Lenny Abrahamson all confabed. A shout out as well to The Artisan Group, an elite collective of way talented artists of handcrafted products, including a unique and lovely assortment of jewelry, hair accessories, clutches, candles, photographs, cards, stuff even for your pets and way more. They are a truly talented bunch of gifted artists. Check them out at: issuu.com.

Patricia Arquette Slams Antonin Scalia Posthumously Over Women’s Rights

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Patricia Arquette for Prez and Jennifer Lawrence as her VP?

That’s a showbiz likely scenario from the looks of it Friday night at the Ninth Annual Women In Film pre-Oscar Cocktail Party at Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails.

WIF’s President Cathy Schulman hosted the soiree attended by more than thirty Oscar nominees including songwriter Diane Warren, who wrote “Til It Happens To You,” plus Best Actress nominee Charlotte Rampling. ’The Danish Girl” star Alicia Vikander (a surprise guest), and “Joy” Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence.

Schulman, addressing the lack of women in the industry, told the A list crowd that, “Women have been leading this movement with courage that it takes to stay, stop it.”

The great Patricia Arquette– Oscar winner last year for “Boyhood”–  gave an impassioned speech and told the crowd, “Pay inequality affects 98% of women in this industry and women all over the country. Karma is coming home to roost. Black lives matter, the environment matters and ending pay inequality matters. We need to clean up our roost. “

Arquette described the other inequalities that affect women and gave a dig to the recently departed Supreme court Justice Antonin Scalia. “Scalia said that women do not have equal rights under the constitution. So just talking about pay inequality is bullshit. Millions of women need it to stop. “ Patricia urged the room to sign the petition she is sponsoring on Change.org, supporting the resurrection of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Schulman  called up surprise guest Jennifer Lawrence, who wrote an essay for Lena Dunham’s newsletter talking about her own experience with pay inequality that garnered worldwide attention. Jennifer first paid homage to Arquette. “I’m a huge fan of Patricia Arquette. I actually played a younger version of her once, and I love that she stood up. We’re starting a conversation; we’re getting a dialogue going. I didn’t know I was going to be speaking. “ Jennifer ended with a fist bump to the air, exclaiming, “equal pay for women!”

The room cheered– and that included everyone from Michelle Monaghan to Mickey Sumner, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Lake Bell, Maria Bello, Adepero Oduye, and even Oscar winning director Tom Hooper.

Lady Gaga “So Upset About Kesha” Almost Didn’t Go to Oscar Rehearsals

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Lady Gaga is a professional so she absolutely went to Oscar rehearsals yesterday. Her performance tonight will be amazing, introduced by Vice President Joe Biden and featuring 50 women who are rape survivors.

But when Gaga appeared at Harvey Weinstein’s star studded private dinner at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills last night, she had a lot to say about the situation with Kesha and Sony Music. She said, “I got so upset thinking about Kesha I almost didn’t go to rehearsals. But of course I did, because I had to.”

Gaga, looking like a million bucks in a black and white couture outfit, showed up at the party just as it was winding down. She brought fiance Taylor Kinney and her manager Bobby Campbell, and they were all pretty excited about what they’d seen down at the Dolby Theatre.

Still, Gaga says she is in constant touch with Kesha. “I know a lot more than I can say in public right now,” she told me. “Every female artist has some kind of story of being held back by a man. And I’m thinking of all the female artists now who are trying to make it.”

Gaga did join Elton John on Saturday afternoon for live show in the Tower Records parking lot that was live streamed on aol.com. They performed Elton’s great hit “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me.”

At the Weinstein party she and Taylor were immediately joined by her Oscar nominated co-writer Diane Warren, who had earlier performed “Til it Happens to You” on stage to huge applause. Her audience included Bryan Cranston, director Simon Curtis, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Jared Leto, Kelsey Grammer, Rooney Mara, Christoph Waltz, Andie McDowell, Kathy Narducci of “Sopranos” fame, Ron Burkle, tennis great Roger Federer, Naomi Campbell, composer Ennio Morricone, Matthew Morrison, New York Post famed gossipeuse Cindy Adams, and Derek Hough.

New hit singer Zendaya performed a smashing version of the title song from Harvey’s Broadway hit “Finding Neverland” with about a dozen back up singers. The show is about to welcome opera star and “Les Miz” vet Alfie Boe as J.M. Barrie– so here’s a scoop– Kelsey Grammer told me he’s extending his run to overlap with Boe at the end of March. Very cool.

Also part of last night’s entertainment: some selections from Weinstein’s upcoming Broadway revival of “Singin’ in the Rain.” The show was a hit in Paris last year and will arrive in New York in January 2017.

PS Chrissy Teigen is so lovely. She wore a red gown, but she is due to give birth in April to a baby girl. “Don’t you know that already?” she joked. I guess the tabloids know all this stuff. They do not have a name. John told me he’s starting to think about a new album. He and Common will present Best Song tonight — they won last year for “Glory.” John told me that when he was at rehearsals, “I felt nostalgic.” John Legend is celebrating his 12th anniversary this year as a music star. Is that possible? Time flies. And he only gets better and better!

“Spotlight” Sweeps Indie Spirits, Best Actor Goes to 15 Year Old Ghanian Abraham Attah

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Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” swept the Independent Spirit Awards today at the annual afternoon celebration in a huge tent on the beach in Santa Monica. “Spotlight” won Best Feature, Best Director, Screenplay and Editing.

The brilliant artist Ed Lachman won Best Cinematography for “Carol.”

Brie Larson won Best Actress for “Room.” Emma Donahue Won Best First Screenplay for “Room” as well.

But the big news was that “Beasts of No Nation” picked up Best Actor for 15 year old Abraham Attah of Ghana, and Supporting Actor for Idris Elba. They each received huge ovations.

“Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon and Kumail Nanjiani were the best cohosts in years. And the show was the best in years, returning to a real spirit of indie filmmaking. McKinnon’s video parodies of “Room” and “Carol” were sublimely funny. The pair made a good team.

WINNERS:

Best Feature: Spotlight (Open Road Films)


Producers: Blye Pagon Faust, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Michael Sugar


Best Director: Tom McCarthy, Spotlight (Open Road Films)

Best Screenplay: Tom McCarthy, Josh Singer, Spotlight (Open Road Films)

Best First Feature: The Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sony Pictures Classics)

Director: Marielle Heller

Producers: Miranda Bailey, Anne Carey, Bert Hamelinck, Madeline Samit

Best First Screenplay: Emma Donoghue, Room (A24)

John Cassavetes Award (For best feature made under $500,000): Krisha (A24)

Writer/Director/Producer: Trey Edward Shults

Producers: Justin R. Chan, Chase Joliet, Wilson Smith

Best Supporting Female: Mya Taylor,Tangerine (Magnolia Pictures)

Best Supporting Male: Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation (Bleecker Street/Netflix)

Best Female Lead: Brie Larson, Room (A24)

Best Male Lead: Abraham Attah, Beasts of No Nation (Bleecker Street/Netflix)

Robert Altman Award: Spotlight (Open Road Films)

Director: Tom McCarthy

Casting Directors: Kerry Barden, Paul Schnee

Ensemble Cast: Billy Crudup, Michael Cyril Creighton, Paul Guilfoyle, Neal Huff, Brian d’Arcy James, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, Jamey Sheridan, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci

Best Cinematography: Ed Lachman, Carol (The Weinstein Company)

Best Editing: Tom McArdle, Spotlight (Open Road Films)

Best International Film: Son of Saul (Hungary – Sony Pictures Classics)

Director: László Nemes

Best Documentary: The Look of Silence (Drafthouse Films/Participant Media)

Director: Joshua Oppenheimer

Producer: Signe Byrge Sørensen

Box Office: “Gods of Egypt” is LionsGate Flop, “Hateful Eight” Nears $150Mil Worldwide

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“Gods of Egypt” is a huge flop for Lions Gate. They made $4.5 mil on Friday. Weekend projection is $13 mil but it may be lower. The sandals and and spears saga cost at least $140 mil. Lions Gate may be sold to Amazon or Starz or someone. The stock is in the toilet. I asked an LG exec if that was happening and he said, “I hope so. My stock will go up.” G-night!

Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” nears $150 million worldwide. In the end it made money. Good news for The Weinstein Company. Composer Ennio Morricone got his star on the Walk of Fame yesterday. He may win the Oscar tomorrow. Congrats!

Exclusive: “Downton Abbey” Movie in Negotiations Now

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It does like “Downton Abbey: The Movie” is going to happen after all.

I’m told Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame are negotiating right now so they can get underway quickly. They’ve got to make the film while all the actors are still available.

The grand finale of the TV show comes March 6th on PBS. “Julian really tied up a lot of loose ends,” Phyllis Logan– plays Mrs. Hughes– told me at last night’s Great Britain event in Los Angeles, hosted by the British Consul. Logan did not tell me about the movie; I’d already heard that it was moving forward.

Other Downtoners at the event were Lesley Nicol (Mrs. Patmore) and Joanna Froggatt (Anna). Logan and Nicol will be doing satellite radio and TV interviews next week for PBS to promote the final episode.

A “Downton” Movie conclusion to the series seems appropriate since the show is really the outgrowth of Fellowes’ Robert Altman directed 2001 film “Gosford Park.” Fellowes wrote “Gosford Park” with actor Bob Balaban. It would be a nice touch to see Balaban come to Downton and complete the circle.

By the way, with all those “Downton” people diverting me, I barely have time to mention the Brit event also brought out James Corden, Eddie Redmayne, cinematographer Roger Deakins, Idris Elba, Alicia Vikander, director Tom Hooper.Minnie Driver, her sister Kate (big talent manager in the UK), and so on. Jamie Cullum provided musical entertainment at Fig & Olive in West Hollywood.

Wish Fulfillment: David Duchovny May Have Already Filmed “Twin Peaks” Reboot

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David Duchovny may be wigging out again.

Last year Duchovny hinted that he might return as transgender DEA agent Denise Bryson. Duchovny played Denise (formerly Dennis) before he went on to “X Files” fame in the early 90s.

Now I’m hearing that Duchovny may have already filmed his part for the new “Twin Peaks” reboot on Showtime for 2017. All lips are officially sealed on the matter, and sources have heard that creator David Lynch has threatened to write actors out of the show if he discovers they’re snitching.

Still, I’m told there are upwards of 200 different actors drifting in and out of the “Twin Peaks” reboot, with the few exceptions being Piper Laurie and Michael Ontkean. Most everyone from the old show is back in some form. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Chris Isaak, example.

And maybe we’ll find out what happened to Julee Cruise, who sang the show’s theme music. Lynch is also a fan of singer Julia Fordham, who’d be perfect for the reboot.

Duchovny is on a roll. The rebooted “X Files” was a huge hit for Fox. The word is that everyone connected to that production is waiting to hear about more episodes being ordered by Fox. The announcement should come very soon. And meantime, Duchovny’s ex wife Tea Leoni continues to rock “Madam Secretary” on CBS Sunday nights.