News from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. There are six new governors. Tom Hanks and Michael Mann return. Bill Condon is added.

Beverly Hills, CA – Six first-time governors have been elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – Dante Spinotti, representing the Cinematographers branch; Lisa Cholodenko, Directors branch; Dick Cook, Executives; John Knoll, Visual Effects; Scott Millan, Sound and Bill Condon, Writers. In addition, seven incumbents were reelected and three other motion picture professionals will return to the Board after a time away.

Returning to the board after a hiatus are Michael Mann, Directors; Arthur Hamilton, Music; and Kathleen Kennedy, Producers. Mann previously served from 2000 to 2006. Hamilton most recently served from 2008 to 2011, he has served a total of 33 years. Kennedy was on the board from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2011.

The reelected governors are Tom Hanks, Actors; Jim Bissell, Designers; Rob Epstein, Documentary; Mark Goldblatt, Film Editors; Leonard Engelman, Makeup and Hairstylists; Rob Friedman, Public Relations and Bill Kroyer; Short Films & Feature Animation.

Fourteen of the Academy’s 15 branches are represented by three governors, who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so that each branch elects or reelects one governor each year. The Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch is represented by a single governor.

At the end of 2011, Directors Branch Governor Paul Mazursky stepped down from his seat on the Board.  Lisa Cholodenko was elected to complete the 2 years remaining on Mr. Mazursky’s term and Michael Mann was elected to a new three-year term.

Governors who were not up for reelection and who continue on the Board are Ed Begley, Jr. and Annette Bening, Actors Branch; John Bailey and Richard Crudo, Cinematographers; Rosemary Brandenburg and Jeffrey Kurland, Designers; Kathryn Bigelow, Directors; Michael Apted and Michael Moore, Documentary; Jim Gianopulos and Robert Rehme, Executives; Anne V. Coates and Michael Tronick, Film Editors; Charles Fox and David L. Newman, Music; Gale Anne Hurd and Hawk Koch, Producers; Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Marvin Levy, Public Relations; Jon Bloom and John Lasseter, Short Films and Feature Animation; Curt Behlmer and Don Hall, Sound; Craig Barron and Richard Edlund, Visual Effects; and Frank Pierson and Phil Robinson, Writers.

Macy’s is shooting a commercial for its fall campaign in the next couple of weeks. They need SAG extras to play the celebrities who are attached to the department store as celebrity endorsers. Luckily they know the height of all these people, In case you’re wondering, Justin Bieber has not grown much. He’s about the height of Tom Cruise according to Telsey and company’s casting notice:

CAMILLA ALVES 5 ft. 8 – 5 ft. 10in. (claim to fame–being Mrs. Matthew McConnaughey)

MARTHA STEWART 5 ft. 9in.

DONALD TRUMP 6 ft. 2in.- 6 ft. 3in.

SEAN COMBS 5 ft. 9 – 5 ft. 11in.

TAYLOR SWIFT 5 ft. 10in.

JUSTIN BIEBER 5 ft. – 7in.

CARLOS SANTANA 5 ft. 9in. 5 ft. 10in. – Shoulder length black hair.

Elton John has written an extraordinary new book about his life. It’s a not a kiss and tell and not how he recorded “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” or dressed up like the Statue of Liberty on stage. It’s how he came to terms with being gay and what made him an AIDS activist. I remember when we were teenagers and suspected something was up with Elton–it was during his heyday, when no rock stars were gay. We knew he was flamboyant, but could never quite put it together. Here’s a small excerpt about his time in rehab, how it changed him. Get this book! It’s called “Love is the Cure.” I downloaded it from amazon.com Kindle because to wait for a publisher’s copy might mean me sitting here until Tisha B’av. It’s only $14.99, and the proceeds go to Elton’s AIDS foundation, so it’s well worth it.

“My time at Parkside Lutheran was as challenging as it was transformative. The first days were especially difficult. When you deprive your body of cocaine after having used very much and very frequently, as I had, the craving for it is inconceivably enormous. I went through bouts of extreme anxiety and irritability. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t think about anything but my own misery. This was compounded by the fact that I had stopped using not just cocaine but everything I had self-medicated with: the booze, the food, the sex. I was depressed and alone. I felt sick and weak and foggy. Needless to say, the first stages of rehab were among the most trying periods of my life. The most important part of my time in rehab was that, to all with whom I interacted, I was not Elton John the rock star. I was just Elton. Elton the addict. For years I had thought that my station in life provided me with the tools I would need to help myself. I thought I was somehow uniquely situated to overcome what other people could not.

“How wrong I was. From the moment I walked into that hospital, the playing field was leveled. We were all the same. Suffering, struggling addicts who wanted to get better but didn’t know if we could. We were all people who had made bad choices and seen the consequences, but then made the same choices despite ourselves. And we had done so again, and again, and again. The truth of it all was that simple: no matter where we had come from, what we had accomplished or failed to accomplish, what our life experiences had been up to that point, we were all the same. And none of us would get better without asking others for help. The path to recovery wasn’t a straight one, by any means. I remember quite clearly, on many occasions, wanting desperately to run away.

“Two separate times, I came awfully close to doing just that. It didn’t merely seem like the easier path; it categorically was. I could have left, been on a plane back to London, and been back in my room, with the relief that would come with the buzz of cocaine and a drink. If not for Ryan [White] and Hugh [Elton’s boyfriend at the time], I would indeed have run away. Thank God I stayed. Over time it did get easier. I could feel a genuine transformation happening inside me. I was working hard at it, and I could feel myself changing. Every day of staying sober was a challenge, but it was invigorating to feel that I was regaining control over my life, my direction, my choices. And I’d say the biggest driver of my progress was the overwhelming kindness of the strangers I met in rehab. People were remarkably helpful.”

Director Christopher Nolan says “The Dark Knight Rises” is all about Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” But it’s really also “Occupy Gotham City” as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman tells Bruce, “A storm is coming” and he’s not going to like it as the disenfranchised of Gotham City revolt against the wealthy–like Bruce, in stately Wayne Manor. “The Dark Knight Rises” had a glittery New York premiere last night with most of the cast–except Michael Caine–assembled and accounted for at AMC Lincoln Square followed by an elegant party at the New York Public Library (decorated, I am told, to look like Wayne Manor.)

At the premiere: Gloria Steinem (who was married to star Christian Bale’s father, David, before his untimely death), Ron Howard, Russell Simmons, Donald Trump, Hailee Steinfeld (from “True Grit”), rocker Chris Daughtry, Zoe Jackson (daughter of Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson), and Tom Hathaway, Anne’s brother, who just landed a web series satirizing the media from the 1950s. Hathaway brought her fiance, Adam Schulman, his parents, her parents, her brothers, and all her college friends from Vassar. Their group was the hit of the night.

What can I tell you? “The Dark Knight Rises” is quite a movie. I saw the IMAX version last night, which is wide-wide-wide screen, and something to behold. Gotham City–New York with dollops of other things cut in–looks magnificent. Saks Fifth Avenue has a prominent commercial plug–it’s the only thing left standing after villianous Bane (Tom Hardy) and his band of violent 99 percenters wreck havoc on the city. I can’t give too much away –but feh on David Letterman, I don’t know what he was talking about. Let me put it this way: Nolan gives his “Batman” trilogy a suitably emotional and hopeful epic ending worthy of the “Lord of the Rings” finale. No one will be disappointed. and there are several ‘lump in the throat’ moments in the last third of this 165 minute movie.

Some people on the screen I was happy to see aside from the main actors: Matthew Modine as Gotham City’s police captain, Tom Conti as Bruce’s friend during the long middle act, and Jillian Armanente (from “Judging Amy”) who gets to give away a major clue and spoiler toward the end of the film. Modine is sensational as Deputy Police Commissioner Foley.

The primary cast is outstanding. Christian Bale gets more face time as Bruce Wayne than in the two prior films, and is more nuanced and sympathetic than ever as Bruce Wayne. The film is somber, and there aren’t many laughs, so Anne Hathaway is a welcome relief as Selina aka Catwoman. As she’s done in films like “Rachel Getting Married,” Hathaway is expert at conveying humor in dramatic moments. Her Catwoman/Selina is as good as Heath Ledger’ Joker–she nails Selina’s grappling with being very very bad and also sort of adoring Batman. Julie Newmar and all the other Cat-women will be proud.

The best part of Nolan’s movie is that it feels real and honest. There’s very little CGI, there’s a lot of action, and even when it’s physically impossible it feels real. The script has many references to the first two films — including a cameo by Liam Neeson and a photograph of Maggie Gyllenhaal. There’s no Batmobile to speak of, but there are plenty of vehicles including a flying machine called The Bat and Catwoman’s motorcycle, which reminded me of Batgirl’s bike from the old “Batman” TV series.

Is Warner Bros. finished with “Batman”? Not by a long shot. A sequel is set up as this film comes to a close, and there is every indication that a successor has been chosen for Christian Bale. I asked him at the premiere how he felt to pass on the cape and cowl. “I haven’t passed it on yet!” he cried. No, he gets to keep them at least through the box office run of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Justin Bieber is no doubt making money somewhere, but it’s not album sales. This last week, Bieber sold approximately 44,000 copies of “Believe.” He’s had a steady drop off from his debut of 373,000 copies. “Believe” has been a bust mostly, and its sales certainly aren’t enough to purchase a Fisker whatever that looks like a silver space ship. Bieber was arrested last week for speeding in an all electric Fisker. But sales of way less than a million copies– really just around 600,00 and that’s being kind–means he’s borrowing expensive cars at the very least. By the time he’s paid the record company, his entourage, band, songwriters, managers, etc, Bieber’s reality car could be a nice Mercedes. What he needs more than a car is a hit single on the radio.

The rest of the music biz is in a slump saleswise now that amazon.com has stopped its 99 cent sales. They are selling albums for $3.99, which is also bad. Here’s the forecast for tomorrow’s totals. Based on these numbers, I’d say “recoup” is not a word you’re hearing much in the accountants’ offices of rock stars:

Zac Brown 225k

Frank Ocean 130k

Bieber 44.2k

Maroon 5 43k

Katy Perry 41k

Chris Brown 40k

Linkin Park 36k

One Direction 35k

Adele 34k (lowest total she’s seen on this release)

Kenny Chesney 30k

The Tom/Katie split caught nearly everyone in Hollywood by surprise.  But not so noted Psychic Thomas John.  At the young age of 28, he has quickly become one of the most respected and sought after Psychics on either coast and in between.  He’s gracious, humble and really normal, reports our LEAH SYDNEY from Los Angeles.

LS-Thomas, you were pretty much the only Psychic to predict the Tom/Katie divorce.  Now they’ve settled it in record time.  What do you think the reasons were for that? Is it Scientology?  Will Tom raise Suri somehow in Scientology or do you think Katie will put the kibosh on that?

TJ-There are many factors at play here. I feel that Scientology is part of it, but more so major philosophical differences. Tom Cruise, deep down, is insecure and can be very controlling. Katie felt at first comforted by this, but I feel thatshifted as Suri got older and she feared for how Suri would be raised. Tom is emotionally unbalanced and seething deep inside with anger and rage. I see that sometimes  it explodes out of him and that can be scary to be around. They are going to have a peaceful separation, but I see lots of fighting around Suri even though it seems to have settled down for now. I see them both entering in new relationship towards the end of the year.  Tom probably will be first.

LS-The VIP set consult with Psychics frequently. I know that you have your share.  Why do you think that is?

TJ- Celebrities have lives like anyone else, and when it comes down to it, they are normally asking the same questions we all are: love, relationships, money, health , etc. Everyone is concerned with living in their highest good. Celebrity life can be hectic and confusing, so when those types of clients come to me, it’s all about helping them tap into their own intuition. When we can tap into our own reactions and intuitive responses, that’s when we can really get the most out of our lives.

LS-You’re young,  yet you are quickly becoming established as the most respected Psychics in the country.  What are your thoughts on that?

TJ-When people come to see a psychic, they don’t want to leave with more questions than they came with. I try to be very clear and down-to-earth in my readings. The fact that I am young means that I am connected with new trends and the latest goings on. But really, a spiritual gift doesn’t have an age, gender, or cultural barrier, it comes to all those that are open to it and ready to carefully listen. I think it also helps that I’m approachable. When people think Psychic, they think black eye makeup, the smell of patchouli, and a raven necklace. But that’s not just me. I wear SPF lotion, Cool Water by Davidoff, and I  keep it simple with a small cross around my neck.

Sage Stallone’s partner in his Grindhouse Releasing company, Bob Murawski, says of his late friend: “Sage was one of the smartest, warmest, most creative people I’ve ever known. It’s an incredible tragedy to lose someone with so much potential. Murawski is the Oscar winning editor of “The Hurt Locker.” He edited the three Sam Raimi “Spider Man” films and is currently working on “Oz the Great and Powerful.”

Meanwhile:

That guy speaking for Sage Stallone–his lawyer and best friend, George Braunstein? Name sound familiar? I wrote about him on February 1st of this year. Here’s the story again. Only in Hollywood, kids.

Braunstein is involved in that long running battle between the Hollywood Foreign and their former publicist, Michael Russell. Braunstein runs a charitable foundation called Stars for a Cause.

But here’s a twist: one of the main beneficiaries of this Stars for a Cause, according to their Federal tax filings, has been…ta da..Michael Russell! Stars for a Cause has three Form 990s on file with guidestar.org, which records the finances of US charities.

In 2006, all the money donated to Stars for a Cause–$20,000–went to Michael Russell. In both 2007 and 2008, Stars for a Cause paid Russell $39,500. It does seem like, on paper, the cause involved in this charity was…Michael Russell.

Stars for a Cause is run by the Braunstein family–Beverly Hills attorney George Braunstein is their leader, and his wife and daughter are the officers. George Braunstein told me: “We pay Michael Russell for access to the stars. We wouldn’t have it other wise.”

In 2007, the Braunsteins had a celebrity auction (celebs autograph things) and raised $225,000. Of that, they gave $30,000 to the Hollywood Museum. Another $51,000 went to office expenses including a whopping $26,000 for postage. Braunstein was paid $4,050 for renting Stars for a Cause space in his law offices.

Braustein says the postage was for shipping rare prints to an art exhibit they sponsored.

In 2008, same deal, with a twist: the Braunsteins donated $60,000 to Friends of the Prince’s Trust. Their two other donations: $250 each to AIDS Project Los Angeles, and to Loyola High School.

Russell got his usual $39,500. George Braunstein paid himself $13,000 in legal fees, and $5,500 in rent. The charity listed a $75,000 deficit for the year.

Another line of expenses. coming to almost $9,000, was for travel and entertainment.

But what about Russell? It does seem from the Stars for a Cause Form 990 and the HFPA’s own filing that he was making substantially more in fees from Stars for a Cause than from the HFPA. Was Stars for a Cause paying him for his access to the Golden Globes, meaning movie stars who would promote their causes? Yes, Braunstein told me: “Michael Russell had been in the business a long time and knew everyone.”

Braunstein told me in Janaury that when Stars for a Cause filed its Form 990 for 2010, donations to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief, UN World Program, Greenpeace and Oxfam will be recorded. Each was tied specifically to a celebrity.

So the Form 990 has been filed for 2010. It is as devoid of specific information as it could be. They say they took in $225,525. They finished the year with around $3,000. And where did all that money go? Not one specific organization or individual is mentioned or described. There’s no mention of American Red Cross Haiti Relief, UN World Program, Greenpeace or Oxfam. We just have to take Braunstein’s word for it. The last line of the Form 990 that he and his wife Laura filed says: “No documents will be made available to the public.”