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Showbiz Tonight
Small Films, ABC Triumph in Golden Globe Noms; George Clooney Dishes on Four Globe Nods; "King Kong" Stars Discuss Movie
Aired December 13, 2005 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, CO-HOST: I`m A.J. Hammer.
BROOKE ANDERSON, CO-HOST: And I`m Brooke Anderson. TV`s only live entertainment news show starts right now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): On SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the Golden Globe nominations. Huge surprises today. And we`ve got them all, including why gay-themed films are captivating the critics.
Plus, George Clooney one on one, just hours after he`s nominated, the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Long live the king. It`s "King Kong Week" on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, and we`ve got the great ape`s co-stars, Naomi Watts and Jack Black.
Plus, only we bring you a first look at heart-stopping, jaw-dropping scenes from "Kong" even before you see it at the movies.
And the "eyes" have it. The makeover wizards from "Queer Eye" turn their gaze to a whole different set of wardrobe malfunctions. It`s not just about the straight guys anymore. The "Queer Eye" guys, live on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
FELICITY HUFFMAN, ACTRESS: I`m Felicity Huffman. If it happens today, it`s on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Hi there, I`m Brooke Anderson, live in Hollywood.
HAMMER: I`m A.J. Hammer, live in New York. Tonight, we`re all over the Golden Globe nominations from "Desperate Housewives" to "King Kong." Today`s nominations all full of surprises, and we have been running around coast to coast today so we could speak with the biggest stars, getting their very first reactions of -- and much, much more from them.
It was a big day for George Clooney. We`re going to go one-on-one with him in just a moment. But first, we kick off our big Golden Globes day coverage with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Sibila Vargas. She joins us live in Hollywood tonight -- Sibila.
SIBILA VARGAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, A.J.
From George Clooney to Eva Longoria, we`ve had a busy day here, just like you said, at SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. Dropping in on some of the biggest names to see how they`re feeling about their nominations today.
So the big story coming out of Hollywood tonight, a movie about two very romantic cowboys who have nabbed a whole lot of nominations.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VARGAS (voice-over): It was a nomination roundup like never before.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whoopee!
VARGAS: Made by the secretly gay cowboys of "Brokeback Mountain."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s no one`s business but ours.
VARGAS: Seven nominations in all.
TOM O`NEIL, THEENVELOPE.COM: Seven nominations is nearly twice as much as the nearest competitor. And this movie has the kind of epic look and social relevance that Globe voters usually go for.
VARGAS: That wasn`t the only gay-theme gay-themed movie Globe voters went for. "Breakfast on Pluto" and "Capote" both got nominations, along with "Transamerica."
HUFFMAN: After my operation, I will be a woman.
VARGAS: Actress Felicity Huffman nabbed a nom for her depiction of a man preparing for a sex change operation. She told SHOWBIZ TONIGHT that she thinks winning for this role may be a long shot.
HUFFMAN: It feels completely out of my control. And like pie in the sky. And it`s a small movie. I`m thrilled that people are watching it.
VARGAS: Huffman also got nominated for best actress in a comedy for her role in ABC`s smash hit TV series, "Desperate Housewives."
And good news. All the main women of the show got nominated, too.
STEVE CARELL, ACTOR: Marcia Cross, "Desperate Housewives"; Teri Hatcher, "Desperate Housewives"; Felicity Huffman, "Desperate Housewives"; Eva Longoria, "Desperate Housewives."
VARGAS: The cheers and laughter come before Longoria was snubbed by the Emmys this year, the only "Desperate Housewife" not nominated.
EVA LONGORIA, ACTRESS: We would love to come.
TERI HATCHER, ACTRESS: Absolutely.
VARGAS: Needless to say, this time around, Eva is ecstatic. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with her on the set of "Desperate Housewives" soon after she got the nomination news.
LONGORIA: I`m ecstatic. I`m so happy to be in the company of my castmates. And just to be recognized as a group and as a role, it`s really fun.
VARGAS: Eva`s not the only happy camper. This year, ABC raked in the Globes nominations.
MARC PEYSER, "NEWSWEEK": Every one of their major dramas was nominated. "Lost" got plenty of nominations. "Grey`s Anatomy," which is always in the shadow of "Desperate Housewives," got a bunch of nominations, too. So ABC has got to be plenty happy.
VARGAS: ABC`s "Commander in Chief" also got a nomination for best drama and Geena Davis got a nom for best actress. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT caught up with her on the set just hours after getting the big news.
GEENA DAVIS, ACTRESS: I`m so grateful just for that, you know, that we had such a great reception out of the gate. But this is just fantastic, you know, for the show, especially, to be nominated.
VARGAS: Not so happy, CBS, who got one measly nomination for "Two and a Half Men."
CHARLIE SHEEN, ACTOR: Yes, it looks that way.
VARGAS: This also wasn`t a happy day for big budget filmmakers. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which votes on the Globes, says this is the first time all of the best dramatic film nominees were made for under $30 million.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Have you checked your track (ph).
VARGAS: They include "Brokeback Mountain," of course, "The Constant Gardener," "Good Night and Good Luck," "The History of Violence" and "Match Point."
O`NEIL: There was a snub across the board today of the big studio- made Hollywood films: "Cinderella Man," "Geisha," "Munich." These all fell by the wayside for little movies like "The Squid and the Whale."
VARGAS: Someone who really has a reason to celebrate today: hunky actor George Clooney, nominated for four awards, three for "Good Night and Good Luck" and one for supporting actor in "Syriana." He tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT the nominations are a surprise.
GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR/PRODUCER: If you started this time last year and said that at the end of the year not only will you get some nominations but both films will be making money, we would have thought -- I would have thought you were crazy.
VARGAS: Crazy or not, it looks like Clooney has a decent chance of winning. So does Keira Knightley, who got best actress nomination for "Pride and Prejudice." She`s in London, and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tracked her down to find out who she was up to when she got the big news.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, ACTRESS: Sitting there in my flat with my agent trying to figure out how to make a lasagna. And I got a call saying I`d been nominated for a Golden Globe. So that was quite nice. And you know, I phoned my mom. And she went, "Oh, you won`t win but well done."
VARGAS: And director Peter Jackson got a nomination for "King Kong," but that was about it. Turns out today`s nominations were a great big upset for that great big gorilla.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VARGAS: "King Kong" opens in theaters nationwide tomorrow. And he may have gotten the snub at the Golden Globes, but experts are saying that he will reign supreme come Oscar time or at least give those cowboys from "Brokeback" a run for their money.
A.J., how could they do that to a cinematic legend, King Kong.
HAMMER: Well, it`s interesting because so many people are saying, this could be the biggest movie ever. But gain, the Hollywood Foreign Press does vote, sometimes, differently than the Oscar voters. And we`ll see how that goes.
VARGAS: They sure do.
HAMMER: All right, Sibila. Thanks a lot. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Sibila Vargas, live in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And we will talk more about "King Kong" coming up later on in the show.
And also, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, as you saw, was unmatchable in fanning out all over the world to get all the nominated stars. And tonight in our first "Showbiz Sitdown," Golden Globe nominee George Clooney.
Of his impressive four Golden Globe nominations, just one was for acting. That was for a supporting role in the film "Syriana." It`s a political movie about big oil and big politics.
But Clooney`s multitasking on "Good Night and Good Luck" earned him recognition for writing, directing and producing. "Good Night and Good Luck" is the story of how legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow challenged the red scare of the 1950s.
In the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, I sat down with Clooney just moments after he heard the news.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CLOONEY: We are going with the story that says the U.S. Air Force tried Milo Radulovic.
As you know, they`re not easy sells, these films. They`re tricky. So things like this really are helpful with keeping the film out there and helping it be seen by more people. But that`s the fun of it.
CLOONEY: Why am I being investigated, Fred?
ANDERSON: When you first started these projects, many people thought, "Oh, he`s crazy," a movie about McCarthy and then a movie about government corruption, the oil industry.
CLOONEY: Right.
ANDERSON: Is this recognition vindication?
CLOONEY: You do them because they`re films that you want to do and you believe in and you have the opportunity to sort of cash in some chips and try to make them. The fact that that`s, you know, being successful is not vindication. I feel like it`s luck.
ANDERSON: Are you making a statement with these films?
CLOONEY: I don`t think I`m trying to make a statement. I think that I`m curious as a filmmaker and as a human being. As a citizen of the country, I`m curious. And I`m always interested in the idea of asking questions.
I think that that`s what we do really well when we do it well in film, is ask questions. We`re not particularly good at answering them, often. Usually when we do that, we come off like we`re on a soap box, and sort of trying to preach. And that goes -- it`s cyclical. Sometimes it`s very popular in, you know, culture and sometimes, you know, you polarize people.
Right now, it`s very polarizing to sort of take stands and say, this is what you should think. But we found out that these were two films that said, these are questions you should ask. And I think that`s OK. And so that`s the fun part.
ANDERSON: You have always been, always encouraged people to ask questions. Has that ever backfired on you? Or you thought, "Oh, the repercussions, I didn`t think it would be like this." Because you have been criticized a few times in the past.
CLOONEY: Oh, sure. I got hit a few times. But you know, in the lead up to the war, some of us got slapped around a little bit by a few people because we said we demanded the right to dissent and to -- and talk about the idea that we should question some -- some of the issues before we send 150,000 kids off.
Now, if you`re going to say, I demand the freedom of speech, you can`t then say, but don`t say bad things about me. You`ve got to take your hits. You`re a grownup. So I was well aware that I was going to get smacked around a little bit. I can take it. I`m a big kid.
CLOONEY: Come on, Ben, you can make it.
ANDERSON: You`re come a long way since "E.R." And you were nominated for a number of Golden Globes for "E.R." How do you think you`ve changed since then?
CLOONEY: A lot greyer.
ANDERSON: No.
CLOONEY: You know, I think everybody does. You know, that`s 10 years ago. That was 11 years ago, 12 years ago. You change a lot. You know, you`re -- hopefully you are -- as you get older, you sort of have two ways of going, either you suddenly know it all or are more interested in asking questions.
I found when I was younger, I thought I knew it all. And the older I get, the more interested I am in other people`s issues and trying to find out why they feel a specific way. So I think if I`m growing at all, it`s just by asking more questions.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Clooney told me for his next project he wants to do a movie about corruption in law.
HAMMER: Now we`d like to hear from you. For our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT question of the day, we`re asking Golden Globes: do the nominations influence what movies you will see? You can vote at CNN.com/ShowbizTonight. You can also e-mail us at ShowbizTonight@CNN.com. We`re going to read some of what you have to say later in the show.
ANDERSON: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the golden ticket to our exclusive awards coverage. Coming up, experts reveal which films they predict will conquer the Globes.
HAMMER: And some king-size monkey business. "King Kong" stars Naomi Watts and Jack Black. They are the stars, and they`re going to talk with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about their breakout roles and what it`s like to play second banana to a great ape. It`s the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: Also ahead, this isn`t a scene from "Weekend at Bernie`s Part III" or "America`s Next Top Model" but this mannequin is proving to be a model husband. We`ll tell you why, coming up.
But first, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." What is the alias of the European master thief in 2004`s "Ocean`s 12"? Nightmover, Nightshade, Nightfox or Nightstalker? We`ll be right back with your answer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: So again, tonight`s "Entertainment Weekly Great American Pop Culture Quiz." What is the alias of the European master thief in 2004`s "Ocean`s 12"? The answer is C, Nightfox.
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, TV`s only live entertainment news show. I`m A.J. Hammer.
We`re now just a little bit away from the big day. Tomorrow "King Kong" finally opens up. Millions of people can`t wait. They`re finally going to get to see the movie. And it is "King Kong Week" right here on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And tonight, we bring you the stars of "Kong" in not one, but two interviews that you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. "King Kong" stars Naomi Watts, who plays Ann Darrow, and Jack Black, who plays the over- zealous filmmaker Carl Denham. And they sat down with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT producer Jenny D`Attoma.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And the beast looked upon the face of beauty. And beauty stayed his hand. And from that day forward, he was as one dead.
JENNY D`ATTOMA, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT PRODUCER: Was this just a dream role for you?
NAOMI WATTS, ACTRESS: Yes, it kind of was. I mean, it`s not like I dreamed about it before -- before getting the role, but once I was given the role, it seemed like, this is pretty special. The great character. And then knowing that Peter would just do something else extraordinary with it, and he did.
D`ATTOMA: What were you most surprised about? There must have been some sort of anxiety about playing against a gorilla that didn`t exist for you on a day-to-day basis. What was that like?
WATTS: Yes, I mean, I had a lot of anxiety about that. In fact, I`d almost sworn off the blue screen work. I just thought it was -- it would be very difficult for an actor to do that stuff.
But I met with Peter. He sat me down and he told me the ways he was going to make that easier. Then I get to the set, and I meet Andy Serkis and see the work he`s put into it, which is, I mean, extraordinary.
He spent weeks in Rwanda, studying the apes. He worked in a London zoo, hanging out with them. I mean, he had done so much work that you just believe. And he had all the behavior down, everything. He knew it all. I mean, I had done my research, too. But when I saw him in action, it was really quite something.
D`ATTOMA: During this process, you were able to meet Fay Wray before she passed.
WATTS: Correct.
D`ATTOMA: What was that like?
WATTS: Amazing. Now I got the call that we`d be going to New York to meet Fay. And I suddenly got nervous. You know, she made this role really something quite extraordinary, legendary, you know. And -- and just to be in the same room with her, what a pleasure. And I just was hoping that she would give me the thumbs up.
D`ATTOMA: Was she possessive over the role?
WATTS: She said to me, when I was introduced, as the new Ann Darrow, she said, "You`re not Ann Darrow. I`m Ann Darrow." And it was funny, you know. She was clinging on.
D`ATTOMA: It`s a shame we lost her before the film.
WATTS: No, but she gave me her blessing. At the end of the night, we said our good-byes and she whispered in my ear, "Ann Darrow`s in good hands."
JACK BLACK, ACTOR: I want the casting crew on the ship within the hour.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can`t do that.
BLACK: Tell them the studio pressured us into an early departure.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s not ethical.
BLACK: What are you going to do? Sue me? Get in line.
D`ATTOMA: Was this a dream come true for you? Because we know it was Peter`s dream.
BLACK: This was a nightmare. From day one I wanted out. I called my agent: is there a loophole, is there somewhere to get out of this steaming dog crap movie? No. Of course, you know, this was probably a bigger dream come true than it was for Peter. He couldn`t have been higher on my list of directors that I wanted to work with.
D`ATTOMA: That`s got to be a great experience to look back on and say, "Wow, I was part of that," and the whole cult following that goes along with that. Are you ready for that?
BLACK: Do you think I`ll have a cult following?
D`ATTOMA: You already have a cult following.
BLACK: Well, now what will it be, super cult?
D`ATTOMA: Super cult. You`re super cult status.
BLACK: I hope so. I`m looking forward to super cult.
D`ATTOMA: How does that feel?
BLACK: Well, we`ll see. Cult feels good.
D`ATTOMA: Can you walk around the street?
BLACK: I can walk down the street, yes. I mean, right now, I`d say I can walk down the street. And if I look at everyone as I walk by them, one out of every 10 will go. But I`m thinking after "King Kong" comes out, it might be one out of every five people.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Naomi, Jack, you can trust us, you`re both going to have a massive cult following.
ANDERSON: All right. Now in the "SHOWBIZ Showcase," a clip from "King Kong." Take a look at how King Kong battles, not one, not two, but three T-Rexes while protecting Naomi Watts` Ann Darrow.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC)
(GORILLA NOISES)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Quite a scene. And stay right where you are. In the next half hour, we will bring you another first look clip from "King Kong," which opens nationwide tomorrow.
HAMMER: Well, a woman in Georgia has discovered a way to pass the time while her new husband, a sailor, is off at sea. While the perfect man is away, she`s settling for the perfect mannequin.
Here`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Only a dummy would think this is a couple of gals helping out a drunken sailor.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`s not real.
MOOS: But he is a real ringer for Suzy Walker`s husband, who`s in the Navy, off at sea. And this is his $200 stand-in.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw sailor for sale. I just bid on him on eBay. And when he came, I was like, he looks like my husband.
MOOS: Especially once she added the mustache.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It helps me pass the time while he`s gone.
MOOS: Suzy`s a newlywed, and this is her husband`s first deployment from Kings Bay Naval Base in Georgia since their marriage.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He`s cute.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you.
He is very well behaved, isn`t he?
MOOS: True, he doesn`t have the moves of other mannequins we`ve met, like Lutita (ph), the New York street performer. And he doesn`t save lives by being a training tool like Rescue Randy, Surgical Annie or Geriatric Jerry.
But Suzy has been taking him to movies and restaurants and stores, snapping photos to make an album for her husband, who only just found out about his substitute.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He said, "What in the world are you doing?"
MOOS: Suzy doesn`t sleep with him. He`s not like that Japanese product, the boyfriend`s arm, meant to substitute for a warm body. The sailor sleeps on the couch. Suzy`s recruited a friend to help her lug him around, though she`s gotten good at tossing him into the car.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Always remember your seat belt.
MOOS: Take it from those crash test dummies.
She may be a two-timer, but in this case, it`s his double or nothing.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: Is that cheating? That`s CNN`s Jeanne Moos for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
ANDERSON: Photo`s a little risque, A.J.
HAMMER: You can get just about anything you want on eBay, Brooke.
ANDERSON: Yes, you can.
HAMMER: And there`s your proof.
Well, coming up, Jim Carrey played "The Grinch," but now he`s taking on another holiday legend. That`s next in "Talk of the Day."
ANDERSON: Also ahead, "Queer" and present danger. The "Queer Eye" guys are rescuing a new crew of closet cases from fashion emergencies. And they will join us, live.
HAMMER: From out of the closet to the red carpet, gay-themed movies have a date with the Golden Globes and possibly, Oscar. Our experts weigh in on the trend, plus stars react to the nominations. That`s coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Well, we all have our favorite holiday songs, but probably remember them a little differently than Jim Carrey does on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Take a look. It`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Talk of the Day."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JIM CARREY, ACTOR/COMEDIAN: I love it. Like, my favorite songs are like guys like Burl Ives, people you never listen to in a million years, but it`s Christmas time. It`s special, you know?
(singing) "Have a holly jolly Christmas."
Sounds like he just ate the turkey.
(singing) It`s the best time of the year. Oh, my golly, have a holly jolly nondenominational Christmas.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Jim Carrey has ruined one of my favorite holiday songs.
Well, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "The Biggest Loser" gains his other half, and his girlfriend may be a familiar face. That`s next in our "Hot Headlines."
ANDERSON: Also ahead, a "Star Trek" around the globe, the Golden Globes, that is. From coast to coast, we`ll have the stars` reactions to the nominations.
HAMMER: Also ahead, gorillas just want to have fun. And so will you in our "SHOWBIZ Showcase." We`ll have a sneak peek of some breathtaking scenes from "King Kong" before he roars into theaters.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
THOMAS ROBERTS, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR: SHOWBIZ TONIGHT continues in one minute. Hi, everybody, I`m Thomas Roberts with your "Headline Prime Newsbreak."
In Bergenfield, New Jersey, authorities say a fire that ripped through an apartment building this morning killed at least two people. Four others are still unaccounted for, and officials say those people may not have been home at the time of the fire. Authorities say this blaze ignited after construction workers hit a gas line.
A police car chase in Southern California ended today without injuries or accidents, despite some high-speed weaving. The suspect fled east L.A. in a stolen car and was later safely caught in Long Beach. At some points, the pursuit reached speeds topping 90 miles an hour.
And a near disaster with a surprising twist in Arkansas. A 21-year- old woman was making her first solo skydiving jump when her main parachute failed to open. The back-up chute opened only partially. Shayna Richardson landed face down in a parking lot at more than 50 miles an hour. Doctors at the hospital discovered that she was pregnant. Richardson is doing OK now, and doctors do believe her unborn child is unharmed.
That is the news for now. Thanks for joining us. I`m Thomas Roberts. We take you back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. It is 31 minutes past the hour. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson in Hollywood. And you are watching TV`s only live entertainment news show.
A.J., films right now with gay or transsexual themes are really catching the eyes of critics, really impressing them. For example, earlier in the show, we reported "Brokeback Mountain" leading the Golden Globe nominees with seven nominations. Coming up, oh, in about four minutes, we will uncover why these gay and transsexual movies are such a hit and receiving such big, important awards recognition.
HAMMER: Certainly a trend worth paying attention to.
Also, of course, tomorrow is the big day when "King Kong" roars into theaters. It is said to be the biggest movie of the year, nay, the biggest movie ever. Did I just say nay? I believe I did.
ANDERSON: Could possibly surpass "Titanic," some are saying.
HAMMER: And everybody that I`ve spoken with who has seen a preview said the special effects are amazing and it is pure movie-making magic. We have a preview, some clips you haven`t seen before, in our "Showbiz Showcase." That`s coming up in just a few moments.
But first, we`ve got to get to tonight`s "Hot Headlines" from SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s David Haffenreffer, joining us live once again from our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom -- David?
DAVID HAFFENREFFER, CNN HEADLINE NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, A.J., it`s another reality show romance. Two contestants on NBC`s "The Biggest Loser" program are confirming they`re a couple. Matt Hoover won the competition. Suzy Preston was second runner-up. They tell "People" magazine that they have a lot in common, including the combined 248 pounds they lost on the show.
Bob Dylan is becoming a radio DJ. The legendary folk rocker is launching a weekly music show on XM Satellite Radio. Today, the company said the show will feature music hand-picked by Dylan and that he will offer commentary on music, interview guests, and take e-mails from XM subscribers. The show is set for next March.
"Brokeback Mountain" picked up the most Golden Globe nominations today. The cowboys-in-love drama receiving seven nominations, including best dramatic picture and lead actor, Heath Ledger. The other nominees for best drama: "The Constant Gardener," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "A History of Violence," and "Match Point."
And those are tonight`s "Hot Headlines" -- A.J.?
HAMMER: And lest we forgot, all of the "Desperate Housewives" were nominated.
SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s David Haffenreffer. Thanks very much.
Well, today, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has been working both coasts to bring you the latest reactions from the Golden Globe nominees. We caught up with some of the biggest stars, who, of course, because they`re supposed to say they are just happy to be nominated. But they also told us just what it meant to them when they found out. And here`s what they had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR-DIRECTOR: There are two films that we`re really proud of. And as you know, they`re not easy sells, these films. They`re tricky. So things like this really are helpful with keeping the film out there and helping it be seen by more people.
KEIRA KNIGHTLEY, ACTRESS: I was sitting there in my flat with my agent trying to work out how to make a lasagna. And I got a call saying I`d been nominated for a Golden Globe. So that was quite nice. And, you know, I phoned my mom, and she went, "Oh, oh, you won`t win, but well done."
EVA LONGORIA, ACTRESS: My sister called. I was in bed. I was asleep. I`m off today, so I wasn`t going to do much of anything.
And my sister called and she said, "You were nominated." I said, "For what?" She said, "The Golden Globes." So I was having a hard time believing her this morning. I was like, "No, you`re watching the wrong channel or something."
WILL FERRELL, ACTOR: I was totally asleep and was wondering why, you know, someone`s calling me at 5:30 in the morning. And then my wife kind of figured it out. "It`s got to be Matt," it`s got to be my publicist.
And I was like, no. I was in such a haze, I thought, I`m like, he might be calling to tell me I didn`t get nominated, which makes sense. But it was obviously the opposite.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: So what are today`s big hits, big misses, and big surprises at the Golden Globe awards? Well, let`s get right into it. Live tonight in New York City is Lola Ogunnaike. She`s an entertainment reporter for the "New York Times." Live in Hollywood is Tom O`Neil, a columnist for the entertainment news site, TheEnvelope.com.
Welcome to both of you.
LOLA OGUNNAIKE, "THE NEW YORK TIMES": Thank you.
ANDERSON: Tom, all right, Tom, I`ll begin with you. We have several movies nominated with gay or transsexuals themes. We`ve got "Brokeback Mountain," "Capote," "Transamerica," "Breakfast on Pluto." Tom, why do you think these themes have really struck such a chord with the Hollywood foreign press?
TOM O`NEIL, THEENVELOPE.COM: Well, on the one hand, these are very good movies. They stand up on their own. Remember that "Brokeback Mountain" was named best picture of the year at the Venice Film Festival a few months ago. Felicity Huffman was named best actress at the Tribeca Film Festival.
But there is no denying that the Globes, like the Oscars, have a social agenda to advance tolerance. We see it when movies like "Schindler`s List" win on the anti-Semitism issue. But you can go back to 1967, when all of Hollywood thought that "The Graduate" was going to sweep the Globes and the Oscars. And while African-Americans marched for equal rights, the Globes and the Oscars both courageously went for "In the Heat of the Night."
ANDERSON: So maybe convey a social message here.
Lola, I want to get your take on it. Why do you think these themes are popular?
OGUNNAIKE: Also, historically, you know, it`s always been a theme. A few years back, it`s when pretty actresses played ugly, they got nominated. When actors gain a lot of weight for a role or lose a lot of weight for a role, like Tom Cruise -- I mean, I`m sorry, like Tom Hanks, then they`re rewarded for their efforts. And I think now a lot of actors, playing gay is being rewarded in Hollywood. It proves someone`s seriousness or commitment to a role.
ANDERSON: That transformation.
Tom, I want to talk "King Kong," getting rave reviews, yet only nominated twice for the Golden Globes for best director and then also a minor category, best original score.
As we reported earlier, this is the first time in Golden Globes history that all the nominees in the best motion picture drama category were made for less than $30 million. Do you think the big budget films, like "King Kong," are getting slighted, Tom?
O`NEIL: Oh, yes, across the board. That was the big story today. "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Cinderella Man," "Syriana," all these big, big movies got slighted.
But this is one that shouldn`t have been slighted. "Kong," you know, these Globe voters are going to regret this. Kong`s coming back big, hairy and mad at the Oscars. And "Brokeback Mountain" better watch it. Those gay cowboys will be quivering in their boots.
(LAUGHTER)
ANDERSON: Well, we won`t have to watch and see. That`s a funny way to put it, Tom.
All right, Lola, I want to move to television for just a second. Let`s talk TV. No surprise that "Desperate Housewives" leading the small- screen nominees with five nominations. In the lead actress comedy category, Eva Longoria nominated here. She was left out in the cold last year.
OGUNNAIKE: Yes.
ANDERSON: Lola, what do you think she`s done this season, performance-wise, what has she changed that`s really impressed the Hollywood foreign press?
OGUNNAIKE: You know, it`s hard to put a finger on what really has changed this year. If I had to guess, she`s wearing more clothes this season. I don`t know. I think she`s not nearly as naked as she was last season. And maybe they`re deciding, "Wait, we can take her a little more seriously now."
ANDERSON: Well, we wish her the best this year.
And George Clooney, one of the leading individual nominees, not only nominated for acting, he got a nod for "Syriana," but also for directing, screenwriting, producing for "Good Night, and Good Luck."
Tom, do you think the voters really take notice when a respected actor, like George, gets behind the camera? It`s been done before.
O`NEIL: Oh, I know. They go overboard with this. They are suckers for studly male stars who turn director.
OGUNNAIKE: That`s true.
O`NEIL: We`ve seen this at the Oscars with, you know, Robert Redford, Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson. Mel got his first break on the awards scene right here at the Globes. He won best director for "Braveheart," and that sent it Oscar-bound.
So the face-off at the Globes will be this phenomenon of studly star- turned-director, "Good Night and Good Luck," versus the art house movie with a social message, "Brokeback Mountain."
ANDERSON: Lola, what do you hope really stands out at the Golden Globes this year? It`s considered a precursor for the Oscars. So what`s your pick?
OGUNNAIKE: I`m hoping for "Constant Gardener" actually. I feel like Fernando Meirelles did an amazing job with "City of God" years ago. And I`m hoping that he comes from behind and actually wins the award for best director.
ANDERSON: Tom, how about you?
O`NEIL: I really think that "Brokeback Mountain" is good enough to win, deservedly so. And I think it would be an important step in America. For the first time, we have not a movie about gay people being persecuted or fighting off a disease like AIDS, but a movie about love.
ANDERSON: All right. Thanks to you both. Lola Ogunnaike and Tom O`Neil, we appreciate your time.
And the Golden Globes awards ceremony will be held January 16th in Beverly Hills. And that is going to lead us to our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Question of the Day." Golden Globes: Do the nominations influence what movies you will see?
Keep voting at CNN.com/showbiztonight. And write us at showbiztonight@CNN.com. Your e-mails are coming up at 55 past the hour.
HAMMER: Well, as we promised earlier, here`s another first look at "King Kong," a movie clip from the film, in our "Showbiz Showcase," part of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s "King Kong" week.
Take a look and see what happens when "King Kong" decides to drop in on New York City`s Times Square.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(CRASHING SOUNDS)
(SCREAMS)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Truly amazing special effects. It`s going to have a big opening this coming week, because it opens nationwide in theaters tomorrow. And our special "King Kong" week continues when SHOWBIZ TONIGHT has the very first fan reviews of the movie, as "Kong" swings into theaters. That`s going to happen tomorrow, right here at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Eastern.
ANDERSON: Well, I`m sure the fans will be lining up to see this one tomorrow.
OK, coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, the "Queer Eye" guys talk marriage. And you can bet this will be one stylish affair. We`ll tell you who`s tying the knot, as the "Queer Eye" guys join us live for the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, TV`s only live entertainment news show. I`m Brooke Anderson.
And it`s time now for a look at what`s new in music.
In stores today, Beck`s "Guerolito." It includes remixes of all the songs from beck`s hit record "Guero," with Ad Rock from the Beastie Boys, Boards of Canada, the Dust Brothers` John King and more.
Also in stores today, Snoop Dogg presents "Welcome 2 Tha Chuuch." Yes, that`s chuuch with two u`s, no r. This album features songs, including "Smokin` All My Bud."
And finally, a stocking stuffer for "American Idol" fans. Bo Bice`s "The Real Thing" is in stores today. Bice`s album features guest appearances from Nickelback`s Chad Kroeger and Bon Jovi`s Richie Sambora.
HAMMER: Time now for another "Showbiz Sitdown," this time, with TV`s "Queer Eye" guys. "Queer Eye" isn`t just for the straight guys anymore. That`s right.
Of course, we all know that in past seasons, the fab five have been cleaning up the "metrosexually challenged" straight men of the world. But this season, they are spreading the gospel to the masses. More specifically, they`re embracing couples and weddings and tackling everything from catering to the I dos.
Joining us live in New York, fashion savant Carson Kressley, food and wine connoisseur Ted Allen, and grooming guru, Kyan Douglas.
It`s nice to see you all. Thank you for stopping by SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
TED ALLEN, "QUEER EYE" HOST: Sure.
CARSON KRESSLEY, "QUEER EYE" HOST: It`s good to be here.
HAMMER: And I know part of the deal, when you show up places, people are constantly asking you for advice. And I wasn`t going to travel down that road. But I walk in today and I see these poinsettia plants that I`m a little unhappy with.
KRESSLEY: Really?
HAMMER: Is there something we could do to make this thing...
KYAN DOUGLAS, "QUEER EYE" HOST: It`s a good thing Thom isn`t here.
HAMMER: ... the holidays even better? But you guys have a good sense of this.
KRESSLEY: I think it says "Merry Christma-Kwanzaa-ca."
ALLEN: Kind of.
DOUGLAS: Sort of.
ALLEN: They are poisonous, though.
KRESSLEY: Yes, don`t let the little kids or cats eat them.
HAMMER: So it would not make a good appetizer for the holiday season?
ALLEN: It`d be a lousy salad, even if you sauteed it.
KRESSLEY: Yes, not recommended.
HAMMER: All right. So we`ve conquered "Queer Eye" for the holidays...
KRESSLEY: We`ll keep the poinsettias.
HAMMER: ... for the "Showbiz" set. So now it`s just "Queer Eye," no more "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
KRESSLEY: Just "Queer Eye."
DOUGLAS: Yes.
HAMMER: Why?
ALLEN: Well, in these wedding situations, you know, you can put fashion on the groom, but if you don`t take care of the bride, then she`s going to be really upset.
HAMMER: But is that why you dropped "for the Straight Guy," because of the weddings?
DOUGLAS: Yes, well, we`re branching out. We`re doing weddings. We`re doing some gay people, actually. We`re going to be doing more queers.
HAMMER: Bar mitzvahs?
KRESSLEY: Bar mitzvahs. And it also allowed us to do, you know, gay guys, straight guys, women, puppies...
ALLEN: Transgendered folks.
KRESSLEY: Yes, we`re catching -- you know, just on the wave.
HAMMER: So with the weddings, are we going to see all of the drama that goes along with that this season? Because, you know, there are always tears involved, families fighting.
KRESSLEY: There was some fighting and some tears, but it was usually us.
(LAUGHTER)
ALLEN: Well, we haven`t had any bride-zillas yet, although I`m excited about the possibility of that. But we do have one interfaith marriage...
KRESSLEY: Yes.
ALLEN: ... where we have a Jewish boy and a Catholic girl come together. And their families were extremely passionate about how the children were going to be raised. And it raises really difficult issues.
KRESSLEY: Right.
DOUGLAS: Yes.
HAMMER: And what do they feel about you guys coming in and butting in on all their business?
KRESSLEY: Well, the families in that particular one kind of didn`t know that we were planning a wedding.
(CROSSTALK)
DOUGLAS: That was a surprise wedding.
KRESSLEY: ... surprise.
DOUGLAS: We put the surprise in wedding.
KRESSLEY: Which it won`t be anymore, OK, when you watch the show.
(LAUGHTER)
ALLEN: And I think the kids actually turned to us as buffers, because they were so terrified by the difficulty of the situation. They called us up and kind of said, "Help!"
HAMMER: Well, gay weddings are all the rage now. Are we going to see any of that?
KRESSLEY: I hope so.
DOUGLAS: We`ll keep our fingers for that one.
KRESSLEY: Our whole thing was that even though, you know, that gays can`t get married yet, at least we can help the straights do it properly.
ALLEN: Right.
DOUGLAS: Maybe if we show them how well we do, they`ll let us get married eventually.
KRESSLEY: Exactly. Exactly.
HAMMER: All right, well...
KRESSLEY: Hopefully we`ll do some gay weddings on the show.
HAMMER: Here we are approaching the holidays and the New Year 2006. Now, you guys went on the air, what was it, 2003?
ALLEN: Yes.
HAMMER: I believe it was?
KRESSLEY: Yes.
DOUGLAS: Yes.
HAMMER: So this is, like, season five or something?
KRESSLEY: It is.
HAMMER: It`s kind of weird how the seasons work in cable television, as we know. In all of the straight guy homes that you guys had to sort through, which I know they make them a little messier. Please tell me they make them a little messier before you go in there.
KRESSLEY: No. That`s real.
ALLEN: It`s not necessary. There is a world full of very filthy people out there.
KRESSLEY: Yes.
DOUGLAS: Yes.
HAMMER: So what`s the most gruesome, disgusting thing you encountered in one of these homes?
(CROSSTALK)
ALLEN: I think the thing that freaked me out the most was in Kevin Downey, Jr.`s apartment, when you and Thom walked in and were so overcome by the pet dander that we had to get inhalers.
KRESSLEY: Yes, we did have inhalers.
ALLEN: Their throats closed...
DOUGLAS: Yes.
ALLEN: ... his throat closed up, if you can imagine that.
KRESSLEY: Which never happens.
(LAUGHTER)
ALLEN: He couldn`t speak.
HAMMER: You mean he wasn`t talking?
ALLEN: He tried.
HAMMER: What kind of a program could that have been?
KRESSLEY: I was signing feverishly. But, yes, we found some crazy things.
ALLEN: Pizza under sofas, desecated (ph) margarita mix from, you know, six months ago.
KRESSLEY: And that`s just all in our trailer. And then we go into the straight guy`s house, and there`s a lot of crazy stuff.
(LAUGHTER)
HAMMER: All right. Well, let`s talk about these books that you`ve carted out here...
KRESSLEY: OK.
HAMMER: ... because, you know, we`ve got to push some books. But actually...
KRESSLEY: How did that get there?
HAMMER: ... Carson, this is sort of -- it`s called "You`re Different and That`s Super." It`s a kid`s book...
KRESSLEY: It is.
HAMMER: ... with great illustrations in here, written presumably because, as you were growing up, somewhere along the way, you decided, "I think I`m different, and that`s OK."
ALLEN: Yes.
HAMMER: And, obviously, there were a lot of reasons, not just because a kid might think they`re gay, but obviously a lot of reasons kids could feel alienated.
KRESSLEY: Yes, I mean, there`s a lot of -- it`s definitely not just about growing up gay. I mean, it`s a definitely a little autobiographical.
But I think kids, you know, often times feel different whether they`re the tallest kid in their class or, you know, maybe they`re the only, like, you know, Latin kid in the neighborhood or whatever. And it`s really important for kids to know that being different is OK and sometimes can be a great thing.
DOUGLAS: And it`s a good reminder for the adults, too, actually.
KRESSLEY: It`s great for parents. Yes, thank you.
HAMMER: So the whole family should get together and read it. And of course, while they`re preparing recipes from Ted`s book here, the "Food you Want to Eat," which I`m sure does not include any poinsettias, sandwiches or...
(CROSSTALK)
(LAUGHTER)
KRESSLEY: No.
ALLEN: Not a one.
HAMMER: All right, guys. Well, thank you for dropping by.
DOUGLAS: Thank you so much.
HAMMER: Good luck with this season of weddings. It`s nice to see you all.
KRESSLEY: Good to see you.
HAMMER: Carson, Ted and Kyan, all here together.
KRESSLEY: Excellent.
ALLEN: Thank you very much.
HAMMER: It`s big holiday live. "Queer Eye," the wedding season, will air Tuesday nights, including tonight, on Bravo.
ANDERSON: And there is still time for you to sound off in our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Question of the Day." Golden Globes: Do the nominations influence what movies you will see? Vote at CNN.com/showbiztonight or write us at showbiztonight@CNN.com. We`re going to read some of your e- mails live, coming up next.
HAMMER: First, what you`ve been watching. Final Nielsen ratings just out today for last week`s shows. As we do every Tuesday, here`s your first-look at the network`s top five.
CBS has all of the top five shows for last week, pretty unbelievable for them. "CSI" is number one, followed by "Without a Trace." "60 Minutes" in at number three. The season finale of the reality show "Survivor: Guatemala" in at number four, followed by the last regular episode of "Survivor: Guatemala."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: It is time for a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT birthday shoutout, where we give the fans a chance to wish their favorite stars a happy birthday. Tonight, it`s a birthday shoutout to actor Steve Buscemi. He is celebrating his 48th birthday today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`m Jim from England. I`d like to wish Steve Buscemi a really happy birthday. He was fantastic in the "Reservoir Dogs," great in "The Sopranos." Happy birthday.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What a wonderful time in this city. And I hope he has as good a time on his birthday as we`ve had on this day that we`ve had. It`s been absolutely brilliant. Thanks, New York, excellent.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: As we reported, the movie "Brokeback Mountain" leads the Golden Globe nominations with a total of seven. But the interesting plot- line also makes it fair game for late-night hosts, like David Letterman on "The Late Show." Take a look at this in "Laughter Dark."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST, "LATE SHOW": But we have a clip for you from the -- it`s called "Brokeback Mountain."
PAUL SCHAFFER, CO-HOST, "LATE SHOW": I don`t know if we`re ready for this.
(LAUGHTER)
LETTERMAN: And it`s the brand-new gay cowboy movie. Watch closely.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: I don`t remember that scene. All right.
We`ve been asking you to vote online on our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Question of the Day" about the Golden Globes nominations. Do the nominations actually influence what you will see at the movies?
Let`s take a look at how the vote`s going so far: 28 percent of you say, yes, you will go to see movies because of their nominations; 72 percent of you say, no, you won`t.
Among the e-mails we received, one from Tina in Florida who writes, "When the Golden Globe nominations come out, their recognition of certain films tends to make me curious."
We also heard from Stephen in Los Angeles who says that the Globes do not influence what he sees. He writes, "It has long been a dirty Hollywood secret that the Globes are not as legitimate as other awards, such as the Oscars."
You can continue to vote by going to CNN.com/showbiztonight.
ANDERSON: It is time now to see what`s playing on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT tomorrow. And I`m filling in for the Marquee Guy tonight.
So here we go. "King Kong" week continues. "King Kong" is in a theater near you tomorrow. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT will be there to get the very first reviews from the first audiences to see the movie.
Also tomorrow, men cannot live on "Kong" alone. "The Producers" are also singing and dancing their way into movie theaters. We sit down with the film`s stars, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, tomorrow. It`s the interview you`ll see only on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
And, A.J., big Golden Globe nomination for "The Producers," best motion picture musical or comedy.
HAMMER: Well done for them. And that is it for SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson. Stay tuned for the latest from CNN Headline News.
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