FOX411: Oprah: Won't Get Fooled Again

PHOTOS: Name That Hollywood Baby

WATCH: Movie Magic! Best Films of 2008

Block Behind Apollo Co-Named James Brown Way

Papa's got a brand-new sign. The block behind the Apollo, where James Brown's early appearances spurred him to fame, has been co-named James Brown Way. It's part of a new law that will co-name streets around the city after great African-Americans, including Count Basie, Paul Robeson, and Marcus Garvey. And Billie Holiday and Shirley Chisholm, just in case you were thinking it's only a man's man's maaaaaaaaan's world. [NYDN]

Read more posts by Tim Murphy

Filed Under: apollo, harlem, james brown, Neighborhood Watch, real estate

Critic Fails to Recognize Wall-E’s Oscar Inevitability

Entertainment Weekly's Dave Karger has his Oscar-nomination predictions, and we're in agreement over four of the five potential Best Picture nominees (Slumdog Millionaire, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Milk, Frost/Nixon) — but Wall-E is apparently "too cartoony" to snag a nomination. Harrumph, we say. Rather, Karger speculates that it'll come down to The Dark Knight versus Doubt for that fifth nomination slot, which could be interesting, but we don't buy it. How could the Academy ignore Wall-E's deft balance of dystopian gloom and heartwarming adorableness? It's just not possible. [EW]

Read more posts by Jessica Coen

Filed Under: kudos, oscars, pixar, wall-e

Lil Wayne Notches Top-Selling Album Of '08

Gallery: Partying with Paris Hilton

'American Idol' Star to Wed Tonight

Report: Russell Crowe Too Fat for New Role?

Mills 'Devastated' by Ex-Nanny's Allegations

'Fearless' holds onto top slot

Counterfeit Apparel Seized in L.A.; Justin Bobby Is in Town!

• Police seized more than 200,000 counterfeit apparel items and pirated CDs and DVDs last week in L.A. Twenty-eight people were arrested. [WWD]

• Prada, Gucci, Bulgari, Dior, Coach, and Harrods all have giant fancy shops in Heathrow's Terminal 5. People whose travel plans have been completely screwed up are likely to indulge in a little retail therapy. [WWD]

• You know that store Lounge on Broadway that's had "Going out of business" signs in its windows for months? They're not validating gift cards! [Racked]

• Jackets and vests are the "It" accessories for prom dresses this season. Well, that's not very slutty. [WWD]

• What's this? Audrina Patridge and Justin Bobby were spotted dancing on the couch at Greenhouse in New York, which means Justin Bobby is in town and we could maybe meet him?! [People]

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: audrina patridge, bulgari, counterfeit goods, dior, gucci, harrods, hills, justin bobby, loose threads, lounge, prada

Year-End Mystery: Why Did Hillary Return BFF’s Campaign Donation?

Sadly, none of the items today feel auspicious enough for the last gossip roundup of the year (maybe because Cin's away roughing it in New Hampshire), though they're pretty good for an average day. Like, Hillary Clinton apparently returned $2,300 campaign contributions to not only Caroline Kennedy (who endorsed O), but also Barry and DVF, Ben Stiller, Rita Wilson, Renée Zellwegger and Hill's own best friend, Mary Steenburgen. Why? Did all those people endorse O before Hill dropped out and we missed it? Also about Hill and Bill, they've been seeing a lot of Broadway theater and getting standing O's (for ovation, not Obama) just for showing up. Similarly theater-related: Daniel Radcliffe is tired of getting onstage every night naked with a fake horse for Equus and now wants to do a musical, which we could've told you would happen. And also Jeremy Piven is dating a model he met at Britney's birthday party, and the News makes a lot of funny, bitchy cracks about his dropping out of Speed-the-Plow because of mercury poisoning.

On the Amazon page for the kosher cookbook of Bernie Madoff's wife, Ruth, who did his bookkeeping, people are writing mean things like "her family should be nailed to the bull on Wall Street" and "She may be able to eat kosher in prison but it ain't gonna be cooked by any great chefs!" They're also saying her recipes are bad. Oprah is going to broadcast from the Kennedy Center in D.C. throughout Obama's inaugural week and host a big bash with Gayle, but where's Stedman these days? Total sweetheart Jennifer Hudson may be summoning the strength to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at O's inaugural, which would be her first time performing since her mother, sister, and nephew were brutally murdered in October. We may as well say it now: If she does sing it, we are going to cry so hard on so many levels. But Jennifer, don't do it if you're not ready yet, even for O!

Hugh Jackman and Catherine Zeta-Jones are going to make a 3-D, circa-1966 musical version of the Cleopatra story directed by Steven Soderbergh, which could be potentially amazing to drop a tab to. In Mexico, Katy Perry kissed a boy — well, her boyfriend, Travis McCoy — and apparently liked it too much because she was sobbing for him not to leave her and go back on tour with his band, Gym Class Heroes. GQ editor Jim Nelson wore a Speedo in Miami, which we may not tell our dad because he might not renew his beloved subscription if he knew about that rollicky Euro-metro behavior. Debbie Harry and even non-famous people are leaving their fond memories of late artist Stephen Sprouse on a new Website.

Tonight in New Orleans, Britney's brother and sometimes manager, Bryan, will marry the woman who manages younger sister Jamie Lynn. This family mixes it up! Spears clan, be stable and united in the New Year! Will Arnett says funny things about the upcoming movie version of Arrested Development. We can't believe aggressively bland Beyoncé said the mean things she said about growing up rich versus Janet Jackson growing up poor with crazy parents who used her. Byon, if you thought it, then you should have put a gag on it! Bristol Palin sold the pics of her new baby with hot hockey guy Levi to People for $300,000. Girl, break the trashy family cycle and lock that money in a college fund. Happy New Year, famous people, get your acts together and be accountable and mature in 2009!

Read more posts by Tim Murphy

Filed Under: barak obama, bernie madoff, beyonce, bill clinton, bristol palin, britney spears, catherine zeta-jones, daniel radcliffe, debbie harry, gossipmonger, hillary clinton, hugh jackman, janet jackson, jennifer hudson, jeremy piven, jim nelson, katy perry, levi johnston, linda madoff, oprah winfrey, will arnett

'Colbert,' 'SpongeBob' May Vanish for Some

Bono’s Charity Single Not Guaranteed to Feed the World

You know what we miss? The Ethiopian famine madness from the eighties. Not because we like starving Africans or anything, but because it gave us Band Aid and the star-studded holiday single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" It seems Bono is similarly nostalgic; he's producing a charity version of "Stand by Me" with a slew of musicians from around the world (think less George Michael and more South Africa's Sinamuva, etc.). The single will be available to download from Bono's (Red) Wire "online magazine," but don't go expecting an awesome celebrity sing-along music video: The artists all recorded their parts individually, and then the sections were pieced together in the studio. [Contact Music]

Read more posts by Jessica Coen

Filed Under: bono, charitable contributions, charities, music

Do NOT Talk During Benjamin Button In South Philly Or You Might Get Shot

A South Philadelphia man enraged because a father and son were talking during a Christmas showing of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button took care of the situation when he pulled a .380-caliber gun and shot the father, police said. ...The gunshot victim, a Philadelphia man who was not identified, told police a man sitting near him told his family to be quiet and threw popcorn at his son.

Cialella then sat down to watch the movie. Police arrived a short time later and arrested Cialella and confiscated his weapon, Vanore said.

Before Obamas Even Take Power, Malia and Sasha Calling the Shots

Blair House, the traditional final residence of presidents-in-transition, is booked up until January 15. But the Obama family has moved into a fancy hotel in Washington anyway, earlier than most historical transitioning First Families. Why? Because Malia and Sasha have to go to Sidwell Friends, which resumes classes on Monday. And you thought it was impossible to get a hotel room in the District during January. [Caucus/NYT]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: barack obama, malia obama, michelle obama, obama inauguration, obama transition, politics, sasha obama, sidwell friends

‘United States of Tara’ Streams Online; Live-Tweeting Imminent

After winning an Oscar last February for Juno and surviving a maelstrom of criticism from a seething nation of bloggers, Diablo Cody battened down her personal hatches and got to work writing a television show for Showtime on the behest of none other than Steven Spielberg. Now with the show set to debut on January 18, Showtime is currently streaming the pilot episode of The United States of Tara for free on their Website (when prompted for a password, type in TARA). You can expect bloggers and critics alike to eagerly bare their fangs in anticipation of a fresh chance to tear down Hollywood's most famous slang-slinging ex-stripper (Defamer has already weighed in, saying the show "isn't just bad, it's bad four times over"), but Vulture is certainly willing to give this show a fair shot. We'll even subscribe to the new Tara-related Twitter feed that Diablo Cody announced she'll be using to live-tweet her show's episodes. However, we cannot and will not be held accountable for our actions if we hear or read the words "honest to blog" ever again.

The United States of Tara [Showtime]

Read more posts by Mark Graham

Filed Under: Diablo Cody, Showtime, Television, The United States of Tara, Toni Collette, Tube Junkie

Best Night Ever: New Year’s Eve Movie Roundup!

It’s Official: Man Skirts Have Reached the Mainstream, or At Least Dear Abby

Guys, are you still fashioning your resolutions? May we be of some assistance? Perhaps it's time to put your insecurities and fears aside and think, WWMD. Yes, indeed, What would Marc do? Everyone's favorite designer was on a mission in 2008 to single-handedly make the man skirt acceptable and, yes, chic. And, sure, people scoffed. But secretly, men wondered if they could carry off the look. (It's okay to admit it. We think men have great legs for this sort of thing.) And now, courtesy of none other than Dear Abby, we have proof that the look has reached the widest parts of mainstream society.

Joe in Pennsylvania writes in:

DEAR ABBY: My problem is unusual, but I'm hoping if you address it in your column it will help. I'm a married man, confident in who I am, who wears skirts for comfort. I feel skirts are more comfortable than pants, which I find tight, restrictive and uncomfortable. I wear skirts around the house, when I'm out running errands and when I attend church. My clergyman has raised no objection to it...

…Our problem is some family members who disagree have talked behind our backs, started rumors and turned people against us with false information. How can I make them understand that they are entitled to their belief, but that they shouldn't gossip and create problems for us because I am not doing anything wrong?

Oh boo to gossip. Abby's response: "As long as you have the testicular fortitude and shapely enough legs to wear skirts, then you have my blessing." And we have to agree. So, men, break out the kilts, sarongs, man skirts (anything but a mini really) and have at it: 2009 is the year to show off your gams.

Dear Abby [Philly.com]

Read more posts by Amina Akhtar

Filed Under: marc jacobs, men's fashion, Skirting the issue

Keri Russell's 'Bedtime' challenges

Midnight Could Bring Major TV Show Blackout

Jen Aniston Is the Most Famous, Famous Gal of 2008

Michael Pitt to Pick Up Steve Buscemi’s Dry Cleaning

Pitt Walks the Boardwalk: Michael Pitt is set to join the cast of Martin Scorsese's drama pilot for HBO, Boardwalk Empire. Steve Buscemi is already onboard to star in the story about the origins of Atlantic City. The show will revolve around a cunning businessman (Buscemi) who starts a liquor-distribution network at the beginning of Prohibition and a low-level lackey (Pitt) trying to rise quickly. If twenties Atlantic City is anything like 2000s Atlantic City, both characters will also exclusively wear tracksuits. [HR]

Phantom Part Duex: Andrew Lloyd Weber has announced that 2009 will be the year that the Phantom of the Opera sequel comes out of hiding. The long-rumored Phantom: Love Never Dies will see the Phantom relocate from Paris to the decidedly less glamorous Coney Island. But Weber's not giving much else away, including who will play the masked freak. May we suggest someone who won't have any trouble adapting to playing a masked freak: Michael Jackson.[Times UK]

Respect: The National Film Registry has made its selections for this year and the most notable name on the list is The Terminator. Now Arnold Schwarzenegger's star turn as a bloodthirsty robot from the future will be remembered forever. Even when only bloodthirsty robots from the future are around to watch movies. In Cold Blood and Deliverance were also among the 25 "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant films selected for inclusion. [Variety]

Cable Clash: A contract dispute between Viacom and Time Warner Cable may leave all you TWC subscribers without your MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central come 2009. The dispute, Viacom says, centers on a minor fee hike that it's seeing, but Time Warner says that Viacom wants to triple the fees the cable provider currently pays for its channels. All we know is that if anyone takes The Daily Show from Manhattanites, this city is going to burn. [Variety]

Futile Fight: As American Idol prepares to return to TV and dominate the lives of everyone everywhere for the next few months, the other networks are planning on challenging Fox's Tuesday-night supremacy. In a sign that AI might not be the juggernaut it once was, CBS, NBC, ABC, and the CW are all setting up ambitious counterprogramming. CBS has NCIS, ABC will air its new reality show Homeland Security USA, NBC has The Biggest Loser, and the CW will show 90210. A prediction: Unless those shows find a way to incorporate social outcasts making fools of themselves, they'll still come in behind Idol. [Variety]

Read more posts by Adam Raymond

Filed Under: andrew lloyd weber, industry, michael pitt, movies, phantom of the opera, television, viacom

Events and Sales: 70 Percent Off Julie Haus; 90 Percent Off Fur

EVENTS
• Get your face done for New Year's. Receive a complimentary makeup application with a Lancôme purchase of $75 or more. Call 212-729-5138 to schedule an appointment. Bloomingdale's Soho, 504 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-729-5900); 11–7.

SALES
STARTING TODAY
• Julie Haus and Coley Claire dresses are 20 to 70 percent off at Nikki Laura. Ongoing. 4 Prince St., nr. Bowery. (212-226-0004); Sun–Tues. (noon–7), Wed.–Sat. (11–7).

ENDING TODAY
• Find your last-minute party dress for 30 percent off at Thistle & Clover. Save up to 40 percent on winter coats. 221 DeKalb Ave., nr. Clermont Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-855-5577); 12–8.

• Women’s fur outerwear and accessories are 50 to 90 percent off at Cassin. 150 W. 30th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (212-564-0946); 11–6.

STARTING TOMORROW
• For baby goods and maternitywear, moms-to-be should visit Destination Maternity for discounts of up to 75 percent. Through 1/31. 28 E. 57th St., nr. Madison Ave. (212-588-0220); Mon.–Fri. (10–8), Sat. (10–7), Sun. (noon–6).

Read more posts by Shaena Henry

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping