October 26th, 2009
03:54 PM ET

Ricky Gervais: the new Golden boy?

Not since 1995 has the Golden Globe Awards had a host. That's about to change. The producers have tapped Ricky Gervais for the 67th annual awards show, to be broadcast on NBC January 17th, 2010. The Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning actor/comedian may be best known for his work in the BBC's "The Office." In addition to executive producing the American version of the hit British show, Gervais recently co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in the film "The Invention of Lying" with Jennifer Garner.

His brand of humor may be just what the ailing telecast needs.

NBC's Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming thinks "Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory." You may recall Gervais' Golden Globe acceptance speech that began with, "I'm from a little place called England - we used to run the world before you."

Gervais says he feels like hosting the Globes will offer him "an environment where I feel I can get free reign [sic] as a host."

We can't wait to see what that "free reign" looks like. What about you? Are you more likely to watch?

October 26th, 2009
03:04 PM ET

Is 'It' really Michael?

As if there wasn't enough controversy surrounding Michael Jackson - the investigation into his death, whether the "This Is It" movie and album are attempts to capitalize on his demise, who wrote the title song, ad nauseum - you might think the last thing at issue is whether that's really Michael dancing and singing on screen.  But the late star's father, Joe Jackson (not the most credible source in the world when it comes to his sons), said recently the film would be "mostly body doubles."

Now, Michael impersonators are a dime a dozen, especially here in Hollywood, where you can't swing a sequined glove without hitting a moon-walking wannabe.  But using them in a movie called "Michael Jackson's This Is It"?  Could a movie studio really be that craven?

Absolutely not, says... the movie studio.  Specifically, Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations at Sony Pictures.  Here's his quote, which doesn't seem to leave much wiggle room for interpretation:

This story is pure garbage and there are no body doubles.  Audiences will begin to see the film tomorrow and every time they see the King of Pop they will know that every frame is unquestionably and undeniably Michael as he rehearses and prepares for the London concerts that were to have begun this past summer.

Good enough for me.  Pass the popcorn.

Tell us if you're buying tickets, what opening night looked like in your town and your review of the film here, on iReport.com.

October 26th, 2009
01:00 PM ET

Your pop culture cheat sheet

Here's what's happening in the world of entertainment today:

  • "Top Chef" fans have more to look forward to with the upcoming Bravo series, "Just Desserts." The Hollywood Reporter says that the network is developing a pastry chef competition show for next year.
  • Ready for "Project Lego?" Reality show producer Scott Messick has cut a deal with the makers of the classic Lego toys to develop a project with them, according to Variety. Messick tells the paper that he wants to do Lego-related reality series of all genres, possibly involving the Legoland theme park.
  • NBC wants more of its new series "Community" and "Mercy," as well as second season spin-off "Parks and Recreation," Variety reports. All three have been picked up for the full season.
  • Ivanka Trump tied the knot on Sunday, according to People. The "Celebrity Apprentice" star married Jared Kushner, publisher of the "New York Observer," at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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Our daily cheat-sheet for breaking celebrity news, Hollywood buzz and your pop-culture obsessions.

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