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Will Arizona Governor Sign Anti-Gay Bill?; Will Violent Protests in Ukraine & Venezuela End?; Jason Collins Joins Brooklyn Nets; This Week's Must-See TV; Oscar Film Focuses on Forgiveness; Honoring War Heroes

Aired February 23, 2014 - 18:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Don Lemon. Thank you so much for watching us.

This hour, we're going to fast forward to the week ahead for you. We're going to take a look at all of the stories you'll be talking about and hearing about this coming week.

So, we're going to begin with our five questions for the week ahead. Question one is, will Arizona Governor Jan Brewer sign or veto the anti-gay bill on her desk? Arizona's legislature passed the bill on Thursday allowing business owners as long as they assert their religious beliefs to deny service to gay and lesbian customers. But critics say it uses religion as an excuse to discriminate and could potentially open the door to any kind of discrimination.

Rosa Flores joins me now.

So, Rosa, what can we expect in the next few days here?

ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the pressure is definitely going to be on Jan Brewer, the governor. So, for her to make a decision, will she sign or will she veto this bill? Now, in the meantime, there's already been outrage from the LGBT community. These folks are saying that businesses are now going to use this law as a veil to outright discriminate against that group.

Now, the group behind the measure is the Center for Arizona Policy. Now, this is a conservative group who says that they are protecting people against activist federal courts.

Now, in an interesting twist, the governor is a former business owner. Here's her take.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JAN BREWER (R), ARIZONA: I grew up in a small business, and we were there to take care of the public, whomever that was, because that was revenue into our business. I think anybody that owns a business, you know, they can choose who they work with or who they don't work with. But I don't know if it needs to be statutory.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLORES: Now, interpret that as you will. But, Don, she has not made a decision yet is what she's telling CNN at this point.

LEMON: And the potential impact on Arizona businesses here?

FLORES: You know, the regional economic council has already said this is bad business. It's going to be bad for the businesses because it's going to expose them to lawsuits. They've also said that four businesses have already made it clear, they've been anonymous about this, but that they would relocate outside of Arizona.

And then think about one more thing. We've been talking about sports a lot. Where will the Super Bowl be next year?

LEMON: Yes. It's in Arizona.

FLORES: Arizona. It's going to be on the world stage. It's going to be interesting to see.

LEMON: Rosa Flores, thank you very much.

FLORES: You're welcome.

LEMON: All right. Question number two now: will violence in Ukraine or Venezuela come to an end this week?

Ukraine has no clear leader after parliament ousted the president and the opposition's hero says that she does not want the job. Thousands of somber people gathered in Kiev's main square today to mourn fallen protesters.

And in Venezuela, it's a battle over the nation's socialist government. I want you to look at this iReport. Protesters are setting fires in the street.

I want to go to senior Latin affairs editor, Rafael Romo. He is in Venezuela's capital.

Rafael, will the bloody clashes there end soon?

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN SENIOR LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS EDITOR: The situation continues to be very tense, Don, with continuing protests on both sides, the opposition and the government. Today, there was a protest near where I am, the neighborhood of Altamira, in eastern Caracas.

The government called for a rally for elderly people. And you would think that the government, President Nicolas Maduro, is campaigning. Yesterday, he met with women. Today with the elderly. Tomorrow, he's meeting with governors.

So, you have all of this political activity going on, with both sides trading accusations of trying to incite the violence and create even more turmoil. What's the strategic importance of Venezuela for the United States, Don? Well, Venezuela sells 40 percent of its oil to the United States. The United States buys 12 percent of its oil from Venezuela. So, it's a situation that if this environment of violence continues, may have repercussions well beyond Venezuela, Don. LEMON: Rafael Romo in Caracas, Venezuela, thank you very much.

Here's our Nick Paton Walsh in Kiev.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We don't know how long the protesters will stay out. We know one of the opposition leaders freshly released from jail where America said she was a political prisoner said they should stay until the end, suggesting that perhaps elections have to pass until you'll see the square vacant behind me.

But it's been a very somber mood today. A day of mourning for the dozens of dead killed by police on Thursday. Many questions about what the political leader can actually do to unite the country after such deep divisions there. And a real rush now putting people in the cabinet and parliament, passing new law after new law and trying to replace the hole left by the fleeing of former President Viktor Yanukovych here.

But many concerned about the economy. It's got a lot of problems ahead of it. Many concerned about how united the politicians can make the people. Particularly given how half the country is facing Russia, half the country is going to be facing Europe. And only after those divisions really are healed and the country seems to be back on its feet can you expect everybody in the square who's been there for months now already to be completely comfortable about the idea of dismantling barricades and going home -- Don.

LEMON: Nick Paton Walsh, thank you very much.

Tonight, Jason Collins breaks a huge player, become the first openly gay player in professional sports.

Terence Moore is here.

Our question number three, Terence, how big of a deal is this?

TERENCE MOORE, CNN.COM SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR: Well, it's a big deal. We're going to see starting tonight in Los Angeles when they play the Lakers a little bit of the big deal. It's going to be a bigger deal, Don, when it continues on this road trip, because the nets are on the road for an extended period of time.

You look at who they play. After they go to L.A. tonight, they play at Portland, at Denver, at Milwaukee. We're going to see how tolerant, if not at all, those cities are. They don't play at home until a week from Monday when they host the Chicago Bulls.

So, it's going to be a very important week not only for Jason Collins, but for the fans in these cities to see how they receive him. LEMON: So, let's be honest. He's a player that some have said he's not the best player. Was he signed for a cause, or for his ability?

MOORE: Oh, definitely for his ability. There's no question about that.

And as I mentioned earlier, nobody cares about the Nets. There's (INAUDIBLE) about that. But the Nets are still trying to make the playoffs. They need a big person, a big presence on the inside. They're at the tail end of trying to get in there. So, he was signed way more for the basketball side of it than for the publicity side of it.

LEMON: Terence Moore, thank you very much.

NFL hopeful Michael Sam came out earlier this month. One question, our question number four, I should say, will Sam do enough to impress scouts at the NFL combine? Sam could become pro football's first openly gay player if he is drafted in May.

Tomorrow, the all-American lineman from the University of Missouri will take the field and perform for the league's 32 teams. How Sam does in the 40-yard dash, the bench press and other events could affect his draft status.

All right. So, Terence is back now.

So, will Michael Sam do enough tomorrow to be drafted?

MOORE: I think he will because, you know, you look at -- he played in the best conference in America in college football, the SEC, he led the SEC in sacks. He led the SEC in tackles for losses. He can play football. There's no question about that.

Tomorrow is going to be more of a football day than anything else, because they want to see as you just alluded to whether or not he's got 10 toes and can spell football. I think he's going to be able to do all that very well.

LEMON: All right. Thanks again, Terence Moore.

Hello from tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. A little after 3:00 a.m. Monday morning in Sochi, Russia. That means another Olympics is officially on the books which brings us to our question number five. How will these games in Sochi, Russia, be remembered? Despite threats and security concerns, an opening ceremony glitch, plus strangely warm weather, winter weather, the Olympics seemed to go fairly well.

Russia pulled out all the stops in the closing ceremonies shown here. Here's Lara Baldesarra from CNN Sports.

LARA BALDESARRA, CNN SPORTS (voice-over): Don, these games are going to be remembered for a lot. All of the medals have been handed out with 28 of them going to the USA, including 9 gold medals. But, of course, the Olympics, they go far beyond the medals. They are a global spectacle, which really inspire our remarkable sense of patriotism as we cheer on our athletes.

In the Sochi Olympics this year, they christened a new golden girl of American skiing, it's 18-year-old Michaela Shiffrin. She filled the void left by Lindsay Vonn, as she won her first gold medal in slalom. In fact, eight of the USA's nine gold medals were won on the slopes, including from Ted Ligety who won the giant slalom.

While Bode Miller on the other hand, he failed to capture gold. He did win a bronze medal, making him the oldest alpine skiing medalist. But where there were highs, there were also lows. Sean White, he came home empty handed for the first time, while major disappointment for the speed skaters. With fingers pointed at Under Armour and those skating suits.

Now, the heartbreak was also palpable for both the men's and women's hockey teams, both losing to Canada who then went on to claim the men's and women's gold medals. The heartbreak, however, of four years ago was behind Meryl Davis and Charlie White as they stepped atop the podium to become the first ever American gold medalists in ice dance.

Meanwhile, slope style skier Gus Kenworthy, he's heading home with a silver medal and five new puppies that he's adopted and possibly a date with Miley Cyrus who did take notice of his puppy loving ways.

Well, Don, on the dawn of the games in Sochi we didn't know what to expect, problem after problem stealing the headlines, including the Olympic ring. You know, that one failed to open in the opening ceremony. And the one that the closing ceremony made fun of as the Sochi Olympics, they really ended with a bit of a wink and a smile.

LEMON: All right, Lara. Thank you very much.

Coming up, a controversial gun law going before the Supreme Court. If the NRA has its way, it could make it easier for people 21 and under to carry a weapon.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: The U.S. Supreme Court could take up several hot button issues in the week ahead. Our Athena Jones is at the White House for us.

Athena, what's on the docket?

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATHENA JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): There's no shortage of controversy before the court.

On Monday, the justices could decide to take cases that could significantly expand gun rights. The National Rifle Association is challenging a Texas concealed carry law that bans anyone under 21 from carrying guns in public. The NRA argues the Second Amendment right of self-defense extends to responsible 18 to 20 year-olds as well, and the NRA is appealing a federal ban on selling handguns to minor saying that also violates Second Amendment rights. JONATHAN TURLEY, PROFESSOR AT LAW, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY: After the Supreme Court recognized the individual right to have guns, the question became, what type of limitations could be put on that right?

JONES: Also on Monday, the court hears a case that could test the limits of President Obama's push to use his executive power when Congress won't act. This time on climate change. At issue: whether the EPA went too far when without congressional approval, it limited carbon emissions from power plants, factories and other sources of greenhouse gases beyond cars and trucks.

TURLEY: On the constitutional side, this is a classic conflict between Congress and the White House. The Congress has refused to give the president what he wants and now, the EPA is going it alone.

JONES: And later this week, the court could get involved in the latest challenge to the death penalty. Missouri is planning to execute Michael Taylor by lethal injection. He was convicted of raping and murdering a 15-year-old girl. But the state is refusing to reveal which drugs it would use after witnesses said another lethal drug mix in Ohio took some ten minutes to work on convicted killer Dennis McGuire.

TURLEY: Many defense attorneys have said that that raises the question of cruel and unusual punishment.

JONES: Critics say Missouri has been in a rush to execute. It carried out one recent lethal injection just minutes before the U.S. Supreme Court could rule on a last-second appeal.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

JONES: And we're also waiting for some big rulings that could come as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday. Rulings on issues like campaign donation limits, college affirmative action, public prayers and recess appointments. So, there'll be a lot of eyes on the Supreme Court this week -- Don.

LEMON: Athena Jones, thank you very much.

Brace yourself, America.

So, it was warm in much of the country today, especially here in the Northeast. But another arctic blast is on its way. Only a few states will be spared.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: All you people on the East Coast, got a little spring fever because it was a beautiful day up and down the East Coast? Winter is not over yet. High temperatures will fall 15 to 25 degrees over the next few days across the northern states.

Are they about to get another snowstorm?

CNN's meteorologist Jennifer Gray has the answer for you.

JENNIFER GRAY, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Don, yes, winter is not over yet. We have some very, very cold air that's going to make its way across the country as we go into the beginning, to the middle part of the workweek. It's mainly going to impact those northern states and the Northeast. It doesn't look like it's going to be a snow maker or anything. We are going to see maybe a couple of snow showers, but for the most part, it's just going to be some very cold air.

In the south, though, we're still enjoying some mild temperatures. 66 degrees in Atlanta for Monday. After Sunday, today, 71 degrees. So we're definitely well above normal.

But look at these temperatures up north: 16 degrees in Minneapolis. That's 14 degrees below normal, 25 below normal by the time we get to Tuesday, in the single digits. Chicago, you will even take a plunge, 13 on Wednesday.

We will see those temperatures stay very cold. And then start to warm up a little bit as we get closer to the weekend.

One more thing to note: some welcome relief for California. By the end of the week, it looks like we're going to see some rain start to finally push on in. Hopefully this pattern, Don, will keep up. It's going to take a lot more than this storm system to reverse that drought. But, hey, every little bit helps -- Don.

LEMON: Yes. They need the rain. Thank you very much. We appreciate that.

You know, I'm cold just thinking about it, but here's something to warm you up. Looking at live pictures now of Cape Coral, Florida.

In case you were wondering, it is 82 degrees and sunny there. If you're looking for a last minute vacation spot, Cape Coral, 82 degrees.

NASA set to launch a new project that it hopes will save countless lives in the future. I'll explain that next.

But first, in this week's American journey, all the stray days in Sochi. Some of the Olympic athletes have been trying to give them a new home.

And, Gus Kenworthy, a silver medalist for the U.S. in men's slopestyle skiing is really putting his money where his mouth is. He talked with our Anderson Cooper.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GUS KENWORTHY, OLYMPIAN: For my 11th birthday, my dad got me a puppy from a shelter. So he was, like, my best friend growing up. He passed away, like, a year and a half ago. So, I've kind of like pretty recently been thinking about getting another dog, been wanting to. ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: The Humane Society said this has actually been a really beneficial thing for dogs here in the United States. There's so much focus on now stray dogs, that they're getting a lot of calls.

KENWORTHY: Yes. I mean, for sure. I think a lot of people, too, were like why are you bringing dogs back from Russia? The amount of money and energy it costs to do that, you could adopt way more dogs here. It wasn't really the fact I had to bring a dog home from there. Just that I saw these dogs and it was more just like I fell in love with them, like I couldn't bear to leave them. So I had to bring them back.

And, I mean, hopefully it sparks people's interest to adopt dogs here and for people in Russia to maybe bring some of them inside and make the strays pets.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Hello, planet Earth. How cool is that?

This is a live shot from the International Space Station. Look at that. Can you see your house from there?

I don't see Sandra Bullock nor George Clooney out there. Anyway, that's a pretty cool shot.

Whether you agree or not with climate change, there's a reason we showed this shot. You cannot dismiss this. From a typhoon that ravaged the Philippines to disasters close to home like Superstorm Sandy or the severe drought in California, you'll probably agree the weather lately has been extreme. So, this week, a new tool will be launched into space by NASA and the Japanese space agency that could help better understand -- everyone better understand how to prepare for disasters.

CNN's Rosa Flores joins me now to talk about that.

What is this new tool and how does it work?

FLORES: Well, it's a satellite like you said that's going to be launched on Thursday. But it's going to measure precipitation, rain or snow, around the globe every three hours.

Now, just think of the things that impact us on an everyday basis. So, evacuations, landslides, avalanches. So, scientists say that they will better grasp this, that they're going to have better predictors because of this new satellite.

And, Don, you're from Louisiana. We think hurricanes. Of course, we see the spaghetti models or the cone of uncertainty.

And so, cities look at these models to determine evacuations and such. And so, with this better information, imagine that cone of uncertainty narrowed. And so, cities will be able to better plan.

LEMON: We know -- we already have, like, rainfall and snowfall totals that we know about. So, don't we already have that?

FLORES: Here's what's different. So, whenever you hear your meteorologist say here's the rain totals or snow totals, those are regional. They don't include oceans.

And so, this is a worldwide model. We know that two-thirds of the earth is water. So, this would give us a better grasp of what this is.

In laymen's terms, what it is, it's going to give us an X-ray of the precipitation and then a CAT scan, let's say, of the clouds, so we have a better gauge.

And just think about it. There's areas of the world that have monsoons. Yet California has a huge drought.

LEMON: Right.

FLORES: Why? So, they'll be able to tackle some of those questions.

LEMON: Very interesting.

FLORES: Fascinating.

LEMON: I ask you a question that doesn't have anything to do with this. Do you play candy crush on your phone?

FLORES: I do not. I don't have time.

LEMON: I don't either. Candy Crush is very addictive. They're trying to woo investors with the sweet smell of success. One of the big stories on Wall Street.

Here's Alison Kosik with more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Don.

A pretty flat week for the stock market with the exception of the NASDAQ. The major averages ended the president's day shortened week little changed. Investors weren't sure which way to go as earnings and economic reports continued to show a mixed picture.

The New York Stock Exchange is getting ready to welcome a sweet new listing. King Media Entertainment, the company behind the hugely popular Candy Crush video game, has filed for an initial public offering. The Ireland-based company raked in almost $2 billion last year. No word yet on the number of shares that will be sold or what their price range will be.

A big buyout in the social media world. Facebook said Wednesday it's buying WhatsApp for $19 billion. WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app for smart phones as it sends messages over broadband and doesn't rack up texting fees. The purchase price is especially impressive when you consider Facebook paid just $1 billion for Instagram.

You could soon be paying a bit more for your morning glass of milk. Dairy analysts say milk prices could go up as much as 60 cents in March pushing prices as high as $4.10 per gallon compared to the recent $3.50 average. The anticipated spike is being partially blamed on strong demand from China.

Don, that's a wrap of the week on Wall Street. Back to you.

LEMON: All right, Alison, thank you very much.

"Anchorman 2." Supersized. New jokes, new scenes and a whole lot raunchier. When can you watch it? We'll tell you next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Rob Burgundy fans, get ready for more "Anchorman."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILL FERRELL, "RON BURGUNDY": Good evening. Tonight's top story is crack. I understand we have some crack and we're going to smoke it right here in the studio. Oh, whoa. Whoa. You feel that right away. It's just refreshing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: And it looks really funny, the previews, right? I don't know about the actual movie. Not so much. A new extended version of the sequel is coming out this week. It has 763 new jokes in it. So now it is R rated. The movie's director says if you're a big "Anchorman" fan go see it. If you're not stay very far away.

The movie hits theaters Friday for one week only. Remember, the movie came out a while ago. Now they're reediting it. There you go.

OK. What surprises are in store at the closing ceremonies at the Sochi Olympics, the Winter Olympics? And a "Saturday Night" alum dives into the world of late-night TV, talk TV. There's a ton -- there's a ton going on this week with the entertainment world.

Pop culture and social media expert Samantha Schacher hits the highlights for us -- Samantha.

SAMANTHA SCHACHER, HOST, "POP TRIGGER": Thanks, Don.

Lots to tune into in pop culture this week. So what should you actually watch? Well, here's my pop five. I've done the research so you don't have to.

Kicking it off at number five, if you're already missing Seth Meyers after leaving "SNL" don't despair. The premier of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" is on Monday on NBC with quite the guest lineup. Guests for the week include Amy Poehler, Vice President Joe Biden, Kanye West, Kelly Ripa, Brad Paisley and Lena Dunham, and more.

Number four, tonight it's the "Downton Abbey" season four finale. Yes. Devotees like myself can't stop speculating about what might happen and who did what. This two-hour event is not to be missed. So tune in tonight at 9:00 Eastern on PBS.

Coming in at number three, if you're looking for a new TV series to become addicted to, well, look no more. My bet is on the Sundance Channel's highly anticipated new original series "Red Road." A gripping drama about two clashing communities. Critics are salivating, comparing "Red Road" to "The Wire" and "Breaking Bad."

"Game of Thrones'" Jason Momoa stars who is also receiving a lot of buzz for his directorial debut "Road to Paloma" by the way. Martin Henderson, Julianne Nicholson and Tom Sizemore also star. Don't miss the series premiere on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. on the Sundance Channel.

Coming in at number two, next Sunday it's the 86th Annual Academy Awards hosted by the very funny Ellen DeGeneres. Pharrell Williams will perform. And lots of excitement surrounding the Oscars' special celebration of "The Wizard of Oz." They will honor its 75th anniversary during the broadcast and of course we are all wondering who will be the big winner of the night.

Both "American Hustle" and "Gravity" lead the pack with 10 nominations each followed by "12 Years a Slave" with nine. Tune in next Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC to find out.

And coming in hot at number one, you do not want to miss the Winter Olympics closing ceremony on NBC at 8:30. Which country will have won the most medals? What surprises does Sochi have in store for us? Also there's a whole lot of buzz on social media about tennis legend and openly gay athlete Billie Jean King attending the closing ceremony tonight as part of the presidential delegation in a country that's not shy about their anti-gay propaganda laws.

And thus I commend you, President Obama, for naming her. Stand tall. Stand proud, Billie Jean.

For CNN, I'm Samantha Schacher -- Don.

LEMON: All right. That's a mouthful. It's a lot of entertainment.

Thank you, Samantha.

Will Atlanta residents keep Bieber away? That is a question that may be answered this week. Here's the back story on this. OK. As we all know, Bieber has got a bad boy reputation. And one ritzy Atlanta neighborhood wants no part of the Biebs. Word that Justin Bieber might move to Atlanta's posh Buckhead area has sparked a protest movement.

TMZ reported the singer might be eyeing a mansion that is for sale there. But Bieber's camp hasn't confirmed that. Protesters say such a move would put their safety at risk. Well, the pop star has had several encounters with police in recent months. Among other things, he faces charges of drunken driving and resisting arrest after being stopped by police in Miami Beach last month.

Wow. Biebs, Atlanta doesn't want you.

A brutal act nearly kills a young man but he is able to forgive and forget the man who left him -- almost left him to die. It is a lesson in compassion you won't want to miss. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: The world's oldest known holocaust survivor has died just days before a documentary about her life was up for an Oscar. Alice Herz- Sommer was 110 years old. She was confined to a concentration camp in Germany during World War II but spent much of her life as a talented musician and pianist.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALICE HERZ-SOMMER, MUSICIAN AND PIANIST: Without work you cannot choose anything. Millions and millions of hours working on what you love. When you love something, work and work and work and work. It depends on me that a life is good enough. On me. Not on life. On me. Everything is good and bad. I look at the good side. With music, I was always happy. I am happy even without music. Even thinking of music makes me happy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: Remarkable woman. The film "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life" is up for Best Short Documentary at the Academy Awards next weekend.

Good luck to them. And good luck to our next guest because another documentary is vying for an Oscar in the same category. "Facing Fears." A film about forgiveness. And the story is about as real as it gets. It chronicles the life of Matthew Boger. He was kicked out of his home for being gay when he was just 13. But an encounter in a west Hollywood alley changed his life forever.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MATTHEW BOGER, "FACING FEARS": In those last moments of looking up and watching these 14 guys with razor blades glued to the front of their boots high-fiving each other, and they were congratulating each other. They believed with everything that was within them that they had accomplished the goal of killing that kid in the alley who had never spoken to them, had never said anything to them. The words in what I saw were far more painful throughout my life than the boots and the blades.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And we turned up the music. And we drove back to the suburbs. I will tell you it was a long drive. It seemed like a very long drive. And I think all of us were sort of internalizing and processing what had happened.

You know I went through most of my life thinking that I had killed this person. Or at least not knowing. (END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: That was 1980, 26 years later, something remarkable happened. He and one of his attackers crossed paths and realized their connection. The outcome, a study in forgiveness. As you just heard from one of the attackers there in the piece.

I want to bring in now Matthew Boger and film maker Jason Cohen.

Thank you so much for joining us.

BOGER: Thank you.

LEMON: It's -- how is it getting it out on film? Were you like, oh, my gosh? Was that cathartic in a way or was it?

BOGER: It is. It actually gives us a platform for -- because of the work that Tim and I do together, that we've done for a few years now, helping young people on both sides, perpetrators, victims. So this gives us a bigger window and a door -- a platform to do that.

LEMON: Why did you think it was important to share your story?

BOGER: Because there's other people, I didn't want them to think that they're alone. That there's no one else out there that's been through something like them. And that there -- it does -- you know, there is a way out of this and there is a positive path.

LEMON: Did you -- did you want to tell this story?

JASON COHEN, OSCAR NOMINATED FILMMAKER, "FACING FEARS": Yes. I mean, you know, when I first heard the story, it's completely remarkable when you hear it. I mean, it sounds almost scripted. But we wanted to really explore this process of forgiveness that Matthew and Tim, the perpetrator, had gone through. So it really is about the two of them and this journey that they went on.

And in addition, we knew that all these themes of bullying and hate, homophobia are still very relevant today, unfortunately. This happened 34 years ago. But these things are things that people are still talking about. So we knew that people would be attracted to that.

LEMON: You know when you do a documentary like this many people say it's kind of niche documentary. You're talking about a gay themed movie at the Academy Award and that -- limit your chances. You say no. So how do you respond to that?

COHEN: No, I mean --

LEMON: And why would you even want to do it?

COHEN: Yes, well, as far as -- you know, I didn't set out to make a gay themed documentary. We set out to a make a documentary about forgiveness.

LEMON: Right.

COHEN: Matthew could have been African-American. Matthew could have been Muslim.

LEMON: A woman. Depending on what you're writing.

COHEN: Right. So we would have told essentially a similar story. This process of forgiveness and hate. Hate in general. Hate is hate. So we weren't necessarily making a gay themed. That being said, we know that bullying and hate with the LGBT community is still going on and we knew that people would be attracted to it.

LEMON: I think you're a bigger person than I am. Because how could you forgive someone who -- who has done this to you, is what most people would -- most people would think. And why wouldn't you lash out at them?

BOGER: You know, when I ran into him again, there had been 26 years in between. And I wanted an answer to a question which was, why me? And before lashing out, I wanted that question answered. And then those conversations I had with him, I saw a different person. And I just -- I don't know where it came from. I just chose a different path with this.

LEMON: You guys want to share this story with kids in schools. Do you think it's too much for kids? Or you don't think it's too much for kids that you want to share it? And what grade would you start and why is that important?

BOGER: Go ahead.

COHEN: We've already -- we've already been out with the film. Mainly high school. High school and up.

LEMON: Right.

COHEN: And we've had great reactions. We've gone out to a few schools. Both Matthew and Tim have been able to be there for some of them. And the kids come up and hug Matthew. I mean, they -- you know, kids today, I think, have it a little easier maybe than, you know, Matthew had it 34 years ago. There were no gay role models.

We're talking about today, the first gay basketball player in the NBA, you know.

LEMON: Right.

COHEN: That would not have happened. So -- but they still do appreciate the story and their coming up and showing their support.

LEMON: But there are young people, too, who are still afraid to come out and still haven't faced --

COHEN: Sure. There are.

(CROSSTALK) LEMON: And older people as well to come out to their families because of fear of what they might think or they may not love them.

BOGER: The fear of retaliation.

LEMON: Retaliation.

BOGER: Fear of society -- you know, what society thinks of them.

LEMON: Yes.

BOGER: It still exists. This happened 30 years ago. But all of the issues in there are relevant today. And that's so hard for me to think about.

LEMON: Yes. It's interesting that he said, you know, we drove all the way back.

BOGER: Yes.

LEMON: Sat in the car for almost an hour and just sort of meditating on what they did. And all these years until he saw you again -- how many years was it?

BOGER: Twenty-six years.

LEMON: Twenty-six years? Until he saw you again he thought he had killed you.

BOGER: Yes.

LEMON: Right.

BOGER: He believed they killed that kid in the alley.

LEMON: Yes. Why should this win?

COHEN: Oh, you know, I'm not going to say we should win. I've seen all the films. They're all great films. We didn't make this film to win an award. But we're super happy that we're getting great exposure and we're going to get the film out to a wider audience. That was our main goal.

BOGER: I mean, you know, I've seen all five as well. They're all equally as powerful. But if it hits that national stage, that's what Tim and I want. And so be it. And that would be amazing.

LEMON: Do you keep in touch with the other attackers or just Tim or have you --

(CROSSTALK)

BOGER: No. The other ones, we don't know what happened to them.

LEMON: You don't know what happened to them?

BOGER: I suggest -- no, I'm good with just hanging with one.

LEMON: You guys still hang -- you guys hang out?

BOGER: We work together.

LEMON: Are you serious? I had no idea.

BOGER: Yes. No. We do presentations together.

LEMON: Are you kidding me? Well, I know that you work together, yes, I know that. You go to schools, whatever.

BOGER: And we go to -- no, we also work in a museum.

LEMON: That's what I mean.

BOGER: Yes. We work in the Museum of Tolerance together as well.

LEMON: I did not know that.

BOGER: That's how we ran into each other again.

LEMON: OK. Now I get it. I'm like, how did you meet this guy? I knew that you guys are --

BOGER: He was working there. I came to work there.

LEMON: I thought after you had your chance encounter -- I thought it was a chance encounter, that you guys started to go to schools and work. But you work in the -- now I get it.

BOGER: That's how I ran into him. In the museum.

LEMON: Yes. And so that is -- that happens in the film. You get --

BOGER: Yes.

LEMON: I should watch the film.

(LAUGHTER)

Thank you guys so much. I really appreciate it.

BOGER: Thank you.

LEMON: Best of luck. If you win, will you come back?

BOGER: Absolutely.

COHEN: Sure.

LEMON: Appreciate it.

COHEN: Thank you.

LEMON: The nation's highest military honor will go to 24 veterans next month at the White House. Only three are still alive. And they have waited decades to be recognized. You're going to hear why these remarkable warriors were overlooked for so long.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Next month the nation will honor 24 remarkable warriors who have been overlooked for decades. Only three are still alive. But all will finally be honored with the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Our Barbara Starr has the story of why they were not recognized earlier.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Sergeant 1st Class Melvin Morris was just 19 when he became a Green Beret. He volunteered to go to Vietnam. In 1969, under heavy fire, hit multiple times, bleeding, he rescued dead and wounded troops. The Army says he showed determination possessed by few men and his ability to lead has rarely been equaled.

Today at 72, with his wife of 51 years, Mary, the pride, the dignity and now a wrong will be made right. Morris is one of 24 veterans who, decades late, will receive the nation's highest military distinction, the Medal of Honor. It is a roll call of bravery and heroism above and beyond the call of duty for men who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Only Morris and two other Vietnam veterans are still living.

In 2002, Congress ordered a review of Jewish and Hispanic veterans' war records to find out who may have suffered discrimination and not been awarded the honors they deserved. Potential African-American discrimination was also found. All are now being recognized.

COL. HARVEY BARNUM (RET.), U.S. MARINE CORPS: I had heard rumors to the fact that there were certain people who -- people thought should have received the Medal of Honor.

STARR: Retired Marine and Vietnam vet Harvey Barnum received his Medal of Honor in 1967. His unit also under intense fire with complete disregard for his safety, he moved to save others. Now he has just one message for the Vietnam survivors.

BARNUM: I look forward to putting arms around them and calling them brother and saying welcome home.

STARR: Two other living Vietnam veterans will receive the medal. Radio operator Santiago Arivia was under fire all day on May 21st, 1969. In total peril, he assaulted a line of enemy bunkers throwing hand grenades and firing his M-16. He came home to work for the Postal Service for 32 years. His son Roland served three tours in Iraq.

Sergeant 1st Class Jose Redellas' battalion was under such heavy fire on September 1st, 1969. It suffered 42 casualties in minutes. Army records say the unit was on the brink of panic when Redellas stepped in, physically pushing men to fight even as the unit was still under fire. Today, he is in frail health.

Of the recipients who have passed away, some died in action in Europe, Korea and Vietnam. But some, like Private 1st Class William Leonard of New York, who fought in France during World War II, came home to live out their lives. Leonard worked in the auto industry and as a butcher. He died five days before his 72nd birthday sitting in his backyard, listening to a New York Yankees game on the radio.

Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: Congratulations to them.

Before we go, though, a quick look at your headlines.

Rescue crews evacuated a building at a resort hotel in Maine after some guests were overcome by carbon monoxide. Crews say they treated 20 people at the end season resort in Algonquin. Seven were taken to the hospital. But none of the injuries was considered serious. The fire chief says CO readings in the basement were nearly 10 times more than normal levels.

Just a short time ago federal prosecutors confirm they'll seek the extradition of Mexican drug lord El Chapo. Joaquin Guzman, the world's most wanted drug kingpin, was captured yesterday in a resort town in Mexico. His attorney in Brooklyn announced he'll try to bring Guzman to the U.S. to face charges. But since El Chapo faces charges in his own country as well as across the United States, it is not clear which jurisdiction will take priority.

And here's our Rosa Flores with a look at some of the big stories coming up this week.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FLORES: With your "Weekly Five," I'm Rosa Flores. Another "Saturday Night Live" alum gets a shot at hosting a late-night TV show. The premiere of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" is Monday. There'll be no shortage of huge stars to kick things off. Scheduled to appear this week, Amy Poehler, Vice President Joe Biden, Kelly Ripa, Brad Paisley and more.

President Barack Obama has some big plans for Chicago and Detroit. The White House announcing on Tuesday two new private/public partnerships meant to spur high quality manufacturing jobs. It's part of Obama's year of action in which he promises to use executive authority to break congressional gridlock.

Tuesday is also a big day for the greatest of all time. It's the 50th anniversary of one of boxing's biggest fights. Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston for the world's heavyweight title. And later changed his name to Mohammed Ali. A Hollywood heavyweight drops by Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Ben Affleck will appear before lawmakers to raise awareness of the mass killings in Congo. This will be the third time Affleck has testified on the hill. He has a keen interest in the region through his organization, the Eastern Congo Initiative.

Thursday, be sure to catch "The Envelope, Please." from CNN Films. It will take movie lovers on a journey through Hollywood history as it tells the story of the little gold statue that became the movie industry's most coveted prize. The film also features extensive footage of great moments from Oscar ceremonies, including the backstage presser.

And speaking of Oscars, next Sunday is the 86th Annual Academy Awards hosted by Ellen DeGeneres. There'll be a special celebration of the "Wizard of Oz" as it hits its 75th anniversary. With "American Hustle" and "Gravity" lead the pack with 10 nominations each followed by "12 Years a Slave" with nine.

And that's your "Weekly Five."

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: So a big week ahead. Thank you so much for joining us. I'm Don Lemon. "CNN SPOTLIGHT: AND THE NOMINEES ARE" begins right now.

END