Filling in for the late actor Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus,” was an unbelievably sad privilege says Johnny Depp, who was called in to supplement Ledger’s role in the half finishing film alongside actors Colin Farrell and Jude Law.

Ledger’s tragic death in 2008 left the film without a leading man. The Hollywood heavy-hitters stepped in to each play an incarnation of Ledger’s character, a mysterious loner who helps Dr. Parnassus, played by Christopher Plummer save his daughter’s soul from the devil.

"Though the circumstances of my involvement are extremely heartrending and unbelievably sad, I feel privileged to have been asked aboard to stand in on behalf of dear Heath,” Depp said in a statement to Moviefone. Read the rest of this entry »

Well, never again doubt for a minute that these results shows are (mostly) live. Things were going very smoothly on Wednesday night's season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance," until it became time to start announcing the final results.

First, host Cat Deeley's microphone went out. The top six took a while getting onstage and it was soon revealed that Russell Ferguson, the krumper from Boston, Massachusetts, had been injured backstage, and unfortunately, that forced the rest of the routines involving him to be shown on tape. As great as it always is to re-live some of these great performances that took something away from it.

As for the results themselves, they went pretty much as I predicted right up until the final three. Once Ryan, Ashleigh and Ellenore were eliminated, in that order. I thought it would be Kathryn and Russell standing at the end going for the title of America's favorite dancer, but then Cat announced that Kathryn was out of the running. So it was down to Russell and Jakob.

At that moment, I wondered if we might see a first: the most straight-up talented dancer might win over the one with the most personality or would the two contemporary dancers cancel each other out in the votes?

At the end of the day, Russell's fanbase, which had been strong from the beginning, came through and for the first time, a krumper won it all.

One can't deny that Russell's ecstatic reaction, crumbling to the ground, then ignoring his injury by standing up and tearing off his shirt, was one of the most memorable moments we've seen on the show. I especially liked that he called his top 20 best friend, Kevin, up on stage with him. There's no doubt that he was truly surprised and over the moon to win this prize.

As for the encore performances picked by the judges (with special guests Lil' C, Tyce Diorio and Debbie Allen), I have no qualms with the ones they picked, though there was an over-reliance on routines from the first noncompetitive performance show.

I would have loved to see Kathryn and Legacy, Ellenore and Ryan, or Ashleigh and Jakob dance again. The two original routines, choreographed by Kelly Abbey (bring her back, please!) and Ashleigh and Ryan were extraordinary. Good for judge Mary Murphy to request that the married couple dance together in their own style.

There were five special performances as well, including a subdued Adam Lambert, a Mary J. Blige performance that absolutely killed, Leona Lewis singing the sleep-inducing "Avatar" theme, and the phenomenal dance crew the Groovaloos.

And then there was J. Lo. Yes, Jennifer Lopez began her performance on a giant shoe, apparently lip-synching a spoken phone conversation, leading into a song that was an ode to Louboutins. The one thing that saved it was the fact that she employed some very familiar faces such as Kayla and Courtney as backup dancers.

Overall, looking back on this season, I'll remember Travis Wall's "War of the Roses" routine with Ellenore and Legacy, Kathryn and Jakob's contemporary routine, and the absolute brilliance of Sonya Tayeh, especially her routine with Ellenore and Jakob.

Which routines will you remember best from season six, and what did you think of the season as a whole? Did Russell deserve to win? Post your response on video, or in the comments below. In the meantime, happy holidays and see you next season.

In times of economic uncertainty folks look for comfort. Since nothing is more comfortable than food, this year they found it on the Food Network which has enjoyed its highest ratings since the network launched in 1993.

The network drew in an average of 1 million viewers nightly this year according to Nielsen ratings. Read the rest of this entry »

A sexy new supernatural is joining the cast of HBO’s “True Blood” for the much-anticipated third season.

“One Tree Hill” regular Joe Manganiello has been cast as Alcide Herveaux, the new werewolf in town who will cozy up to telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, played by Golden Globe nominee Anna Paquin.

Manganiello joins cast newcomers Alfre Woodard, who will be playing cook Lafayette’s mom on the series, and James Frain of Showtime’s “The Tudors,” who will play Tara’s new love interest, vampire Franklin Mott. Read the rest of this entry »

"Real Housewife" Bethenny Frankel took it all off for PETA’s anti-fur campaign in a monolithic booty-baring 58-foot billboard, unveiled in Times Square Tuesday. The ad, which is sure to stop traffic, declares " "Fur? I'd Rather go Naked."

The cookbook author and reality television star will return for the next season of “The Real Housewives of New York,” as well as star in her own upcoming Bravo series.

Frankel admitted in a PETA statement that she "used to wear fur" like her socialite friends.

After she encountered a PETA protester holding a sign of a "skinned animal," she changed her ways. "It made me sick. I felt disgusting," Frankel said. "I'm cleaning out my closets - trim, everything. I don't see any reason for cruelty."

The 39-year old was pregnant when the ad was shot by photographer Joseph Cultice, but was pleased to note her photo didn't require any air-brushing. She is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jason Hoppy next Spring.

Well, here we are, the final performance show on "So You Think You Can Dance." And with a Gordon Ramsay special breathing down the show's neck, there was no time to waste.

In what was a very rushed hour, the final six (that's right, six) danced their hearts out to go for the title of "America's Favorite Dancer"... and when the dust settled, three of them looked like bona fide contenders. Let's go down the list one by one.

Kathryn McCormick (Odds of winning - 2:1)

Judge Adam Shankman's comparisons to last season's winner, Jeanine weren't far off (just a tad early last week). Talk about a late surge ... Kathryn didn't hit a wrong step all night. She had a scorching samba with Ryan, kept up with Russell, and then some, in hip-hop, and her contemporary routine with Jakob will go down as one of the most memorable in series history.

Adam seems to be pulling for her, while Nigel Lythgoe and Mary have given her high praise. The one thing Jeanine did that Kathryn didn't was the chance to do one last solo, and that proved to be a deciding factor.

Ryan Di Lello (Odds of winning - 6:1)

A great partner, no doubt, and he had a touching moment in a Travis Wall routine with his wife, Ashleigh, not to mention that samba, but he's been overshadowed for several weeks now (including by eliminated B-boy Legacy), and that emotionless jazz routine with Ellenore didn't do anyone any favors.

Jakob Karr (Odds of winning - 3:1)

Is he one of the best dancers this show has seen? Without a doubt. Did his contemporary routine with Kathryn have the crowd on their feet, Adam close to tears, and Nigel urging him to join a dance company? Absolutely. Did he knock it out of the park in his Broadway routine with Ellenore? I think you see where I'm going here.

As I said last season with Brandon, he's in the also-ran position as a very talented dancer but missing that something special that connects with the audience (see also: Danny and Travis).

And no matter how well one dances the fox trot, and he nailed it, it usually doesn't translate to votes. At the same time, I would not be at all surprised if he still ended up winning.

Ellenore Scott (Odds of winning - 4:1)

Here again, one of the most talented dancers the show has seen, but she seems destined for top six, like Mark in the fourth season. Luckily for her, she had a chance to show off her knack for quirkiness in that Fosse-esque Broadway number and robotic jazz routine.

She really, finally broke out, however in the paso doble with Russell. The paso dobles lately have been really good, though I would place this just below Legacy and Kathryn, and Brandon and Jeanine. But unfortunately, I don't think that will be enough.

Ashleigh Di Lello (Odds of winning - 5:1)

One should almost ignore those odds, because she has beaten the odds from almost the start. She was constantly in her husband's shadow during auditions and in Las Vegas. She only got into the top 20 because someone bowed out. She was never outdanced by Jakob, when that could have easily happened many times.

She was injured and forced off the stage, but got voted into the finale, anyway. So how did she did on the final night of competition?

She really had a chance to show off her gracefulness in all three routines: That beautiful moment dancing contemporary with her husband, an elegant fox trot where she actually outshined Jakob, and a lyrical jazz number with Russell which brought Mary to tears. Even so, one example of why she won't win is because Mary's tears were for Russell.

Russell Ferguson (Odds of winning - 3:2)

From the moment we first saw him this season, it was clear he was a star. The judges were absolutely blown away by the amount of growth he had this season. All three of his routines were quite memorable, including the aforementioned paso doble with Ellenore and his hip-hop with Kathryn, which could be crucial because it was last.

Even so, it's hard not to wonder if he or Jakob may have peaked too early.

So I'm really going out on a limb here. For much of this season, and at the very beginning of Tuesday night's show, I thought that Jakob would be in the final two.

Now, I'm not so sure it won't be Kathryn and Russell, with Russell coming out on top. After the year we've seen on shows like this (i.e. Kris Allen, Jeanine), anything is possible.

One thing's for sure: we want to hear from you! Who do you want to be crowned "America's Favorite Dancer?" Do you agree that Russell has the edge? Hoping for one of the other five to pull it off? And can you believe that they're already heading out to audition again in January (quite the nonstop schedule they have on this show)? Post a video with your pick, or in the comments below.

As you may have deduced by now, most nominees send out press statements with their reactions, especially if they don't feel like being interviewed (or aren't available) on nomination day.  Most at least seem heartfelt, thanking the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and their collaborators – it's a farly straightforward script.  But a few manage to make us chuckle in the process:

"The Hollywood Foreign Press have just given me a time out from my 20 year midlife crisis.  My heartfelt thanks to them." – Colin Firth, up for best lead actor in a drama for "A Single Man"

"We are completely thrilled to be nominated for a Golden Globe.  The Globes have a long and illustrious history... we are happy to spoil that.  Thank you HFPA." – Todd Phillips, writer/director of "The Hangover," nominated for Best Feature – Comedy

"Thank you very much to the Hollywood Foreign Press for making my mum cry in the grocery store.  I'm honored and completely speechless." – Carey Mulligan, up for best actress in a drama for "An Education"

Jeff Bridges is earning rave reviews for playing a singer/songwriter on a downward spiral in "Crazy Heart," and this morning the role brought him his fourth career Golden Globe nomination.  Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, and Colin Farrell co-star in the drama, and he thanked them all in his reaction to being nominated... but see whether another name he mentions seems familiar:

"The Hollywood Foreign Press has been mighty fine to me over the past 30 years, and this year is especially sweet.  I'm happy to share this nom with my buddies T Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham for our 'Crazy Heart' theme song, and with our writer-director Scott Cooper and co-stars Maggie, Bob and Colin who who helped make Bad Blake such a genuine character.  I would like to dedicate this recognition to the memory of the late, great Stephen Bruton who brought his musical touch to every part of the picture."

Yes, T Bone Burnett is a music legend, but did you catch his collaborator's name?  Ryan Bingham is an Americana singer-songwriter who's gained some notice of late.  Coincidentally, "Ryan Bingham" is also the name of George Clooney's character in "Up In The Air" – and, as it happens, Clooney is nominated opposite Bridges for lead actor in a drama, along with Colin Firth for "A Single Man," Morgan Freeman for "Invictus," and Tobey Maguire for "Brothers."  (If you spot any more Ryan Binghams floating around this awards season, please let us know.)

We don't mean to exclude this morning's television nominees!  Showtimes "Dexter" picked up three nods: Best Television Series – Drama, a lead actor nomination for Michael C. Hall and a supporting actor nod for John Lithgow.  It's the fourth straight year the HFPA has nominated Hall for playing the forensics expert/serial killer, and he was thrilled for himself, his co-star, and the show: "Thanks to the HFPA for this collective and individual recognition.  I'm very gratified that John received an individual nomination as well.  His performance as Trinity is an instant classic."

HBO's "Big Love" is also up for the best drama series prize, and its star, Bill Paxton, will square off against Hall for lead actor.  Paxton, too, was generous with his praise: "It's such a great honor to be nominated this morning.  I'm so proud of this past season of 'Big Love,' and am thrilled to share the nominations with our loyal cast and crew.  A special thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for their support.  Your organization has championed us from the very beginning.  We really are a family and without my three beautiful wives I would not have made it on this short list of actors so I truly do share this with Jeanne, Ginnifer and Chloe."

Some nominees were more succinct in their statements.  Hugh Laurie of "House," also up for best actor in a drama, said merely "I feel very honored, and very very lucky."  Of course, it's not just luck: he's won twice before.  Another two-time Globes winner, Alec Baldwin, is nominated again on the comedy side for "30 Rock," and was equally brief: "I'm grateful for anything that helps the show."

Lindsay Lohan's father Michael Lohan was arrested and charged with criminal contempt for violating an order of protection against him on Monday.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department on Long Island, Lohan, 49, was arrested in the police station on the misdemeanor charge. Police had no further comment on Tuesday and would not say which restraining order Lohan was in violation of.

In June, a judge said Michael Lohan would avoid prosecution on another misdemeanor charge of aggravated harassment if he stayed out of trouble for a year.

Lohan denied a claim by prosecutors that he threatened to kill his girlfriend, Erin Muller, and himself if she ended their relationship.

A representative for Lindsay Lohan and Michael's ex-wife Dina Lohan confirmed that Dina currently has an outstanding restraining order against Michael.

Michael Lohan did not immediately return a call for comment.

Lohan has reportedly been estranged from his famous daughter, who recently returned from filming a documentary on child trafficking in India.