Return to Transcripts main page
Showbiz Tonight
Road to Gold
Aired February 27, 2011 - 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, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT". Hello I`m SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S, A.J. Hammer and welcome to this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD. Live from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
BROOKE ANDERSON, HLN`S CO-HOST, "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT": And I`m SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S Brooke Anderson live from the Red Carpet and this is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s ROAD TO GOLD.
HAMMER: Now on this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD, we`ve got the Oscars covered like no other entertainment news show. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT live on the Red Carpet with the biggest stars and our show biz Oscar all-stars.
ANDERSON: An incredible team right here live tonight: fashion and celebrity commentator, Camille Grammer, star of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" -- what will she say; acclaimed outspoken actress, Cheryl Lee Ralph; and no holds barred, never shy, syndicated radio host Carlos Diaz.
Breaking down the Oscar showdowns tonight: Colin, Jesse, James, Annette, Natalie, Nicole; who will take home Oscar gold?
The Red Carpet fashion face-offs, who`s fabulous? Who`s a flop?
HAMMER: This special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT ROAD TO GOLD --
ANDERSON: Starts right now.
HAMMER: Hello. I`m SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s A.J. Hammer. And welcome to this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD. We are live from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And I`m SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Brooke Anderson on the Red Carpet at - - at -- on what is sure to be an extraordinary night here at the Oscars and some incredible firsts are about to unfold.
HAMMER: That`s right, Brooke. We have Oscar favorite Colin Firth versus Oscar first, Jesse Eisenberg. You got Oscar favorite Natalie Portman against Oscar first Jennifer Lawrence.
ANDERSON: And that is just the start and the battles are set. And the stars are here tonight for the dramatic results.
HAMMER: And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is going to be lived for the next hour right here on CNN. And we do want you to know the live coverage continues on HLN at 11:00 p.m. Eastern. We are combining the forces of our two networks to bring you the biggest and the best Oscar coverage anywhere.
And to help us out -- wow -- we have put together just an extraordinary team of some of the biggest talents and personalities on all of television including "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Camille Grammer. She is our fashion celebrity commentator tonight. We`ve also got acclaimed actress Cheryl Lee Ralph. Syndicated radio host, Carlos Diaz and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S, Kareen Wynter.
Now Kareen is going to have a finger on the pulse of Facebook as you all weigh in throughout the show.
But right now I want to begin with Camille Grammer. Camille, it is extraordinary to have you here tonight. You look amazing.
CAMILLE GRAMMER, HLN CORRESPONDENT: Thank you.
HAMMER: We -- we can`t ignore the big elephant in the room. There has been so much buzz over the weekend about your now ex-husband Kelsey Grammer getting married just this past Friday. We`ll talk about that first in a second but I -- I get the impression you`re really excited to be here tonight.
GRAMMER: I am thrilled to be here. What an experience. Look I`m at the Oscars. Look at the Red Carpet.
HAMMER: Yes.
GRAMMER: And I`m here working with you and Brooke. What are the --
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: All those stars walking the Red Carpet --
(CROSSTALK)
GRAMMER: It`s amazing.
HAMMER: You know quite frankly the pressures of walking in a major Red Carpet.
GRAMMER: Yes.
HAMMER: And -- and let`s talk about it. The -- the last time you walked a major Red Carpet was at the Tonys last year. It was just after your then husband Kelsey Grammer said your marriage was over. But he insisted that you guys walk down that carpet and you had somehow put on a brave face. I don`t know how you did it.
GRAMMER: Well, once we got out of the limo you know the cameras start and you just smile. You smile and you make your way through it. And you know I made the best of it.
HAMMER: You -- you seemed to and I could tell you`re actually kind of having a little fun at, I think, at Kelsey`s expense throughout the deal.
GRAMMER: Yes, yes. Absolutely. Interviewers were asking questions and I kept saying to Kelsey we`ve been married for 13 wonderful years.
HAMMER: Right.
GRAMMER: We love each other so much. Isn`t this terrific, Kel? He`s like going yes, right Camille. But you know, I`m glad we did it. I`m glad. It was my last Red Carpet.
HAMMER: And -- and look, you know everybody is all glammed up for the night.
GRAMMER: Yes.
HAMMER: But you know there`re probably some people who are walking that carpet tonight who may be dealing with some very real stuffs in their personal lives. We -- we see it happen all of the time in Hollywood.
In fact, last year at this show we had Oscar winner Sandra Bullock walking with her then husband Jesse James.
Now, Sandra didn`t know a thing was going on. Of course Jesse was keeping a secret at that time. What kind of advice would you have for any star who has to go through this right now and -- and try to manage through even though things may not be so perfect in real life.
GRAMMER: Just smile. Once the cameras on just know stay strong and smile your way through it. Believe me, that`s the best way.
HAMMER: All right, so let`s talk about it. Friday, Kelsey got married.
GRAMMER: Yes.
HAMMER: Kelsey Grammer who was your husband for 13 years. You guys were together for 14 years.
GRAMMER: Yes.
HAMMER: I know that has to have been a very tough day for you. What was going through your head that day?
GRAMMER: It was -- it was a very sad day. You know we were together for 14 years. It was bittersweet for me. But look at where I am today.
(CROSSTALK)
HAMMER: Maybe we`re going to find you a hot guy tonight, Camille.
GRAMMER: Maybe, I don`t know.
HAMMER: Maybe we`ll do that, we`ll work on that. I -- I wanted to know this and I haven`t heard you talk about this before, are you keeping the name Grammer?
GRAMMER: I am keeping the name Grammer. My children are Grammers so I will remain as Camille Grammer.
HAMMER: And your daughter did not go to the wedding. I know she stayed out here with you instead.
(CROSSTALK)
GRAMMER: That`s right, she had -- she had her talent show that night. So we all went to see my daughter perform.
HAMMER: Terrific and I know she`s here watching you right now.
GRAMMER: Yes.
HAMMER: So it`s terrific. We`re looking forward to your very special insight into what goes on at this award show Camille.
GRAMMER: Thank you very much, A.J.
HAMMER: All right.
GRAMMER: I`m thrilled to be here. Thanks.
HAMMER: Well, Brooke Anderson is right now in the heart of it; the thick of things down there on the Red Carpet, where all the stars are stopping to talk to her first -- Brooke.
ANDERSON: Hi there, A.J., yes the stars are pouring on to the Red Carpet. I see Kevin Spacey right behind me. But I`ve been talking to a lot of the huge nominees already here on the Red Carpet right outside the Kodak Theater including Melissa Leo. She is a nominee for best supporting actress for her gritty role in "The Fighter". And she`s actually competing against her co-star and friend Amy Adams.
And I just spoke with Melissa about the competition and how that`s going between the two of them. Listen to what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: One of the other women in your category is your co-star Amy Adams who also did a tremendous job. Is it friendly competition? Have you and she been talking about this going head to head?
MELISSA LEO, ACTRESS: Completely friendly. No competition whatsoever. She was an angel by my side as we shot and all. I learned all kind of things from her about acting and life and all kinds of things.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Good luck to her tonight.
And I also spoke with the hilarious and very unpredictable British comedian, Russell Brand. He`s here presenting tonight with his co-star in the upcoming movie "Arthur", Helen Mirren, and he talked to me about his admiration for Helen.
Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I really want to ask you a question.
RUSSELL BRAND, ACTOR: Just because you`re by my side that doesn`t mean you can do what you want in life.
ANDERSON: You`re presenting with --
BRAND: Got to watch the film after.
ANDERSON: Yes.
BRAND: What`s you`re --
ANDERSON: You`re presenting with your co-star Helen Mirren. You were very intimidated to meet her but now infatuated with her. Why?
BRAND: Well, that`s been a journey, intimidation to infatuation because she`s a beautiful girl as a human being she`s a living spiritual sexy woman.
ANDERSON: As your wife Katie Perry you guys are so cute together.
BRAND: Come on I take you`re muffin.
ANDERSON: And he stole to our muffin top off our mike.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: He didn`t want to talk about his marriage, A.J. And his date tonight or rather (INAUDIBLE) and his companion that would be his mother who told me that she is very, very proud of him.
HAMMER: I think he`s actually out of his mind, Brooke. I think that`s exactly what`s going on there.
ANDERSON: Always.
HAMMER: All right. Well, right now I`m joined by acclaimed actress Cheryl Lee Ralph. Wait until you see Cheryl Lee, can we bring her up. Holy Moley, Cheryl Lee.
CHERYL LEE RALPH, GUEST CORRESPONDENT: Oh thank you. Thank you.
HAMMER: You look stunning. What a dress. What a look; the bling, the hair and the whole deal.
RALPH: Thank you so much. Nana Satomi (ph) did the dress all by hand.
HAMMER: Yes, so you know what it`s like to be at these shows. You`ve been an awards nominee yourself.
(CROSSTALK)
RALPH: Yes.
HAMMER: You`ve won awards in your career. You`ve done the Red Carpet. But you`re at the Oscars now. What are you looking forward to most about tonight`s show?
RALPH: A.J., this is my very first time here at the Oscars and I`ve got to tell you I have been looking forward to the sheer excitement that only happens on a night like tonight. You can you feel the magic.
But see I also want to see the hits and the misses.
HAMMER: Right.
RALPH: I want to feel that excitement that is the Oscar. Tonight is the night of dreams and I`m here.
HAMMER: You know, all I want to say Cheryl is I hope your head doesn`t explode because you really are so excited tonight.
RALPH: Yes.
HAMMER: It`s great to see this energy.
RALPH: Thank you.
HAMMER: And also one with great energy tonight, syndicated radio host, Carlos Diaz. He gets to hang out pool side right now. He`s joining us at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. That is right in the path of where all the stars are making their way into the Oscars right now.
So Carlos, what do you look forward to on a night like tonight? You`ve been covering this for a while?
CARLOS DIAZ, SYNDICATED RADIO HOST: You know, I look forward to the fact that we`ve been promised a new Oscar show versus the old school Oscars if you would. You know, it`s quite fitting here that I`m here at the Roosevelt Hotel across the street from you guys, because this is where the first Oscars was held back in 1929. By the way, tickets were five bucks for that show.
But I`m wondering as they promised us a brand new Oscar tonight with the youngest host ever, Anne Hathaway. The first time we ever had a -- a woman and a man hosting on the same stage with James Franco and Anne Hathaway. Are we going to see a brand new kind of Oscars and is that going to translate into best picture tonight with a brand new kind of film "The Social Network"?
HAMMER: Yes, they are shaking it up with the way they are presenting the show. They are shaking it up with the set and obviously with the hosts. So we`re looking forward to that. And will those guys fail or will they succeed?
I think it`s an inspired choice. We`ll talk about that in just a few minutes.
Right now, our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook wall is getting flooded with your comments. Everybody is tuning in socially on a social network right now about the Oscars.
I want to go to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`S Kareen Wynter. Kareen is following all of our Facebook fan Oscar buzz -- Kareen.
KAREEN WYNTER, HLN CORRESPONDENT: A.J. our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT Facebook fan page, it is on fire. And of course it is. Our wonderful fans posting comments on our wall and we want to get right to a couple of them.
We asked our fans what are they looking forward to the most. Judy S. says, "Looking forward to Natalie Portman. She`s an amazing actress who is finally getting the recognition she deserves." You see that smiley facing flight. "Maybe Rob Pattinson will be there too -- oo-la-la.
Well, you know if he is, if he strolls down that Red Carpet, Brooke will be sure to snag him.
Simon P: he is looking forward to seeing all the celebs and stars in their fashion and best outfits and the two young hosts especially pretty Anne Hathaway. You know what; Anne is going to have quite a few outfit changes tonight. So that will be quite a treat for you and all the viewers who will be tuning in.
Finally Kelly W says, "Best supporting actor Christian Bale" -- exclamation, exclamation, a couple more exclamation mark. She`s fired up. And you know what? Tonight could be Christian`s night. He cleaned up all award show season so we`ll have to see if he takes home that coveted prize.
I also want to see what Christian`s wife will be wearing, her beautiful gown, her name is Cindy.
We`ll send it right back to you -- A.J.
HAMMER: Yes. Christian`s road to gold tonight really could be a road to redemption. And I have to tell you, from the stars we`ve seen tonight, they are just looking absolutely amazing.
And this year there really seems to be a very special glow from the superstar moms on our Red Carpet. So how do they pull off being a superstar and a supermom?
Also obviously a really big night for James Franco; how the heck is he going to pull off his double duty tonight? He`s an Oscar host and an Oscar nominee. Franco nominated in best actor category for "127 Hours"; really the underdog in that category though, going up against the big favorite, "The King`s Speech" star Colin Firth. But does Firth, really have this thing all locked up? You`ll find out coming up.
You`re watching a special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLIN FIRTH, "THE KING`S SPEECH": I came here in 1972 as a 12-year-old checking out the names. I never imagined that these stones I`m stepping on, one of them might have my name on it.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to the special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood with our fashion and celebrity commentator, Camille Grammer.
ANDERSON: And I am Brooke Anderson live on the Oscar`s Red Carpet for the 83rd Annual Academy Award. And I have been talking to so many tremendous stars as they are making their way into the theater for Hollywood`s biggest night, including one of the best actress nominees Jennifer Lawrence. She`s nominated for her standout performance in the film "Winter`s Bone" and she was looking so striking and beautiful in red.
Listen to what she told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: This is your first time at the Oscars, right?
JENNIFER LAWRENCE, "WINTER`S BONE": Yes.
ANDERSON: I understand that usually you and a friend stay at home, eat pasta, watch the show. This is different today.
LAWRENCE: Today it was Philly cheesesteak French fries and actually going the Oscars. So, yes, everything is different.
ANDERSON: You`re starring in "The Beaver" with Mel Gibson. Jennifer, you know, he`s been in the news a lot more for his off-screen behavior than on. What was he like as a person? What was he like to work with?
LAWRENCE: Very nice and lovely and giving and a tremendous actor.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Another young female nominee this year is Hailee Steinfeld. She is just 14 years old and nominated for her performance in "True Grit" alongside Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon as her co-stars. And we talked about a funny thing that happened on set. She actually had to implement a curse jar with those guys.
Listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: I heard a funny story, Hailee, that on the set of "True Grit" there was a lot of cursing going on. I mean you had -- what -- Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin that you were working with and your parents didn`t want you to pick up those curse words. So what did you do?
HAILEE STEINFELD, "TRUE GRIT": Well, it was cast and crew, so not just them. But I started a "bad boy jar". I charged them every time they cursed. I ended up with a total of about $350. I matched it and donated it to Alzheimer`s Foundation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: She is adorable. And there`s so much more to come. So stay right where you are. This is a special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT ROAD TO GOLD.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Finish this line from your movie.
STEINFELD: Oh, oh.
ANDERSON: I do not care a thing about guns. If I did --
STEINFELD: I would have one that worked.
ANDERSON: Nice.
STEINFELD: I remember.
ANDERSON: Good job. You did. Good memory you got.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to this special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD. I`m A.J. Hammer just outside the Kodak Theater.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson live on the Red Carpet as we count down to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. And it is a big night for this guy standing with me right now actor, Geoffrey Rush, his wife Jane, beautiful wife Jane joining him as well. Good to see you. Nominated for his tremendous performance in "The King`s Speech"; nominated for best supporting actor. You`ve been here before. This is your fourth nomination. You`ve won an Oscar for your role in the great movie "Shine". So, you seem cool, calm, collected. No anxiety tonight.
GEOFFREY RUSH, "THE KING`S SPEECH": No. Inside it`s always a bit butterflies. You know --
ANDERSON: The tempest on the inside.
RUSH: You can`t get used to something on this scale.
ANDERSON: Well, you look so polished, so refined, so distinguished. And you were telling me in the commercial break what you did something to your hair, your head tonight before you came?
RUSH: Oh, I got a little bit of silk and buffed it up, keep it shiny.
ANDERSON: It`s looks great.
Well, Colin Firth, your co-star in "The King`s Speech" has talked about developing a bromance with you on the set. So you guys had a good time together?
RUSH: We did. I think it was very much to do with the nature of the story line. But, we worked briefly on "Shakespeare in Love" and then we knew each other socially in I very minor way. But through a couple of weeks of pretty intense rehearsals and then shooting under pressure because I only had a four-week window of opportunity to film, there was a sense of camaraderie and bravery and daring and fun.
ANDERSON: Well, you can celebrate all of it tonight. Best of luck; thanks for stopping by. Good to see you Geoffrey. Nice to meet you -- thank you so much.
JANE RUSH, GEOFFREY RUSH`S WIFE: Lovely to meet you. Bye.
ANDERSON: A.J. back up to you on the bridge.
HAMMER: All right Brooke. And of course, Geoffrey looking very elegant as a nominee tonight in his tuxedo, the ladies as they`re walking by all looking spectacular.
But let`s not forget, fashion is just one of the many big parts of Oscar night. So many battles for gold tonight.
Of course, big buzz surrounding Geoffrey`s co-star Colin Firth. He swept the other major awards for his performance in "The King`s Speech". Will he take home the biggie, the Oscar?
And more big Oscar controversy tonight: one supporting actress nominee actually has raised a lot of eyebrows for taking out her own ad she`s pushing for her win. Will this move work or will it just back fire on her? That is coming up.
You`re watching a special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRISTIAN BALE, "THE FIGHTER": Every time I do a different job I always think I don`t know how to do this. And maybe that comes from not having had any training. I never took any drama classes or anything. But -- so I just thought maybe I (INAUDIBLE) I`m doing it. But every single time I go out, I got no bloody clue how to start doing this.
And so there`s many different performances that`s inspire me from different people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to this special live edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: ROAD TO GOLD. I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson on the Red Carpet as we count down to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.
HAMMER: Who is everybody screaming for right now, Brooke? I`m hearing a very loud crowd noise. Can you tell me who they were yelling for?
ANDERSON: I can tell you who they are yelling for. Helena Bonham Carter is right here. Good to see you again. Best support actress nominee for her tremendous, tremendous performance in "The King`s Speech".
HELENA BONHAM CARTER, "THE KING`S SPEECH": Thank you very much.
ANDERSON: We just spoke at the Oscar luncheon a few weeks ago and you told me you would probably be a fashion disaster. But I love this.
CARTER: The jury is out. Who knows?
ANDERSON: Who are you wearing?
CARTER: I`m wearing actually a costume designer. He`s Colin Atwood (ph). He`s got nominated today.
CARTER: We`re going to continue this conversation, Helena. Good to see you. We`re going to be back with more of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s live coverage; it`s Oscars ROAD TO GOLD.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Right now, on this special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold." We`ve got the Oscars covered like no other entertainment news shows. "Showbiz Tonight" is live on the red carpet with the biggest stars and our showbiz Oscar all-stars, incredible team right here live tonight.
Fashion and celebrity commentator Camille Grammer, star of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." What will she say. We`re also with acclaimed outspoken actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and no holds barred syndicated radio host, Carlos Diaz. Plus "Showbiz Tonight`s" Kareen Wynter put her finger on the pulse of Facebook as you weigh in throughout the show.
Breaking down the big Oscar showdowns tonight, Annette, Natalie, Cole, who will take home Oscar gold? Of course, we got to talk the red carpet fashion face-offs. Who is fabulous? Who is a flop? This special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold" continues right now.
Welcome back to the special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight." It`s our live coverage of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. I`m A.J. Hammer just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson on the lively chaotic red carpet and this is "Showbiz Tonight`s Road to Gold."
HAMMER: And "Showbiz Tonight" is going to be live for the next half hour right here on CNN. And we need you to know, our live Oscar coverage will continue on HLN at 11:00 p.m. Eastern.
We`re joined by an extraordinary team of the biggest talents and personalities on TV including of course, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Camille Grammer who is our fashion and celebrity commentator tonight. We`ve also got acclaimed actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, syndicated radio host Carlos Diaz, "Showbiz Tonight`s" Kareen Wynter is following the up to the minute Facebook posts right now.
But I want to get right to Camille Grammer, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," first of all you`re in charge of making sure my tie is straight tonight, Camille?
GRAMMER: It is straight. You look very handsome, A.J.. Perfect.
HAMMER: The most beautiful day in southern California. The weather has been very unpredictable. They were talking about a blizzard before. That makes a big difference when you`re preparing for a big red carpet event and getting the fashion together.
GRAMMER: Absolutely. And thank god it is not. But yesterday we had hail here. But today it`s a perfect night.
HAMMER: Let`s talk about some of the looks we`ve seen. And Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence, I know she caught your eye.
GRAMMER: Absolutely. She looked stunning in her red Calvin Klein gown. I had heard that her publicist said or her stylist said that nipples are in this season. So let "Showbiz Tonight" be the first one to say that. Nipples are in.
HAMMER: Very good.
GRAMMER: At 20 years old you can get away with it.
HAMMER: Let`s go a little younger.
GRAMMER: OK.
HAMMER: Maybe you don`t want to say for this next nominated actress, Hailiee Steinfield. Our youngest nominee here tonight.
GRAMMER: Oh, at 14 years old, her gown was absolutely perfect. She wore (INAUDIBLE). Perfect princess gown. It looked beautiful on her.
HAMMER: Now you and I were standing here, we`re looking at the red carpet. Brooke Anderson was talking to and said oh there`s Michelle Williams. And you loved a lot it but not all of it.
GRAMMER: I love Michelle Williams` gown, head to almost toe. But the shoes looked like something she bought from Payless. I`m sorry but the gown was perfect.
HAMMER: Fair enough. All right. Brooke Anderson on the red carpet right now with the best actor nominee.
ANDERSON: That`s right. I`m here with Javier Bardem, the oh, so handsome dapper Javier Bardem. He`s nominated for best actor here for his role in "Beautiful." But you`re no stranger to the Oscars, Javier. In fact, you won an Oscar for "No Country for Old Men." I`m always curious, where do you keep the Oscar?
JAVIER BARDEM, ACTOR: In my house, of course.
ANDERSON: A lot of people say in the bathroom? It goes with the fixtures?
BARDEM: Really. No. Mine is in the office. I have a little office. I mean, a desk with a computer and a phone. That`s what I call an office.
ANDERSON: Tonight, you`ve been here before. Does it make it any - are you any less nervous because you`ve been here and done that.
BARDEM: No matter how many times you`ve been here it`s always the same state of nervousness because it`s a big event. It means a lot for any actor.
ANDERSON: Yes, it`s hard to really grasp the magnitude of what it means for your career. Well, good to see you and best of luck tonight.
BARDEM: Thank you.
ANDERSON: Tremendous performance.
A.J., he recently married the lovely actress, Penelope Cruz, and they had a baby boy last month. So a lot of exciting changes for Javier Bardem.
HAMMER: Yes, what an exciting time for him. Great to see him. Truly one of my favorite actors of all time. And Brooke right now, you know, the "Showbiz Tonight" Facebook fans continue to buzz about the big event tonight. They are excited about all the all-star Oscar-nominated super moms and we asked our Facebook fans who their favorite super mom is. Let me get to "Showbiz Tonight`s" Kareen Wynter who has been following that. Kareen.
WYNTER`: A.J., our "Showbiz Tonight" Facebook fan page, it IS exploding. Absolutely exploding with all the comments coming in. I`m looking at them right now, as we speak. Let`s get right to Jeanne T., Natalie Portman. She`s one of my fave actress forever. Favorite movie of hers "Where the Heart Is" and I have to say mine would probably be "The Professional."
Zinnia B. writes "Nicole Kidman hands down. She has four wonderful kids now and on top of that she was able to help her husband with his problem. She`s a beautiful well-grounded lady." I actually just saw Nicole on the carpet. I think she picked a winner tonight with that beautiful gown. And finally Mary P. she thinks Annette Bening because she keeps her private life private and is seemingly raising four great kids who have two very famous parents and that`s hard to do in Hollywood. Keep those comments coming. A.J., back to you.
HAMMER: All right. And with me right now once again acclaimed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Everybody is talking about acclaimed actress, Natalie Portman. Of course, she`s nominated for the incredible turn into "Black Swan."
As far as I`m concern, she should just be getting her acceptance speech ready. What do you think?
SHERYL LEE RALPH, ACTRESS: Well, you never can tell. Look, it isn`t over until the thin lady sings. And we never know what could happen. It could be someone from what would be your second choice?
HAMMER: Tonight?
RALPH: Yes.
HAMMER: I`m not going to go again her. Although I would like to see Annette Bening win. I think that would be a tremendous -
RALPH: You see what I`m saying, that`s exactly what I mean. What about the upset? Now if Annette Bening did win that would be a wonderful upset. But I got to agree with you like you started off it could very well be the "Black Swan," Natalie Portman and she is a super mommy looking fabulous.
HAMMER: Let`s check in with syndicated radio host Carlos Diaz. He joins us at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, right in the path of where all the stars are making their way into the Oscars right now.
Carlos, what about you, is it Natalie Portman`s to lose tonight?
CARLOS DIAZ, SYNDICATED RADIO HOST: I would like to see Jennifer Lawrence win as Camille said on nipples alone. But you got to go with Natalie Portman because her performance in the "Black Swan" was second to none. By the way, for all you guys out there going I`m not going to the movie because it`s a chick flick or a date movie, it`s not. It`s a cool supernatural thriller. Go see it. Natalie Portman, best actress lock it in.
HAMMER: All right. We`re locking in is your final answer. Thanks so much, Carlos. So much nervous energy in the air as the stars work their way down the red carpet tonight. And now we`re less than 30 minutes away from the Oscars getting under way. A lot riding on Oscar nominee and host James Franco. He and Anne Hathaway weren`t obvious picks to host the show. I think they were inspired choices. But will they be a hit or a miss.
And of course, the fashion face of going down on the red carpet is out of control tonight. I`m not going to bring that word up again though. Who is fabulous? Is anyone a flop? You`re watching a special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HELENA BONHAM CARTER, ACTRESS: I always get it wrong. Even if it looks hopeful in the beginning and then at the last minute I go to my love and friend and you know, father of my children (INAUDIBLE) take one thing off before you go out. He goes take seven things off. I sure would be naked. I have so many things on. I think I`m a Christmas tree and I just keep putting things on.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to this special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold." I am Brooke Anderson on the red carpet. As we count down to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.
HAMMER: And I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. Of course, everybody is buzzing about how the hosts are tonight because it was a different choice. With me again, "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Camille Grammer.
So Camille, what do you think, Anne Hathaway, James Franco. James pulling double duty tonight, also nominated as a best actor for "127 Hours." I think they`re going to be great.
GRAMMER: I think they`re going to be absolutely fantastic. Must we say. I mean, James Franco. Hot, hot, hot.
HAMMER: Yes.
GRAMMER: Going for a (INAUDIBLE)
HAMMER: I don`t want to get in the way of his relationship. But you know, I`m thinking he must have guys are tumbling over themselves to get at you right you.
GRAMMER: Not really. Thank you.
HAMMER: Maybe there`ll be a hot hookup tonight. If James were available is that your type of guy?
GRAMMER: Yes but a little older.
HAMMER: All right. Let`s go to Brooke Anderson right now. She`s on the red carpet with another best actor nominee. Brooke?
ANDERSON: Oh, I`m here with the fantastic Christian Bale. He`s nominated for best supporting actor for his tremendous role in "The Fighter." It`s your first career nomination.
CHRISTIAN BALE, ACTOR: Right.
ANDERSON: Do you have the jitters? Have you repaired a speech? You`re the front-runner here tonight?
BALE: You know, front runner to me doesn`t mean anything. There`s so many bloody talented actors I`m up against. You never know what`s going to happen. There`s so many bloody talented actors who didn`t get nominated for this, who would equally deserve it. Of course, I`ll be elated if it happens, but "The Fighter" has been received in such a way that none of us expected it before. (INAUDIBLE) he`s going to be here. It`s just so lovely to see it being received in such a good fashion that winning something would be great. But you know what? It`s all good. It really truly is.
ANDERSON: A big night, Christian. I`ve got to ask you this. You have a young daughter. If she ever looked at you and said "Dad, I want to go into showbiz too." What would you say? Would you encourage or discourage?
BALE: It`s fun. It`s always got to be fun. You know, no way in hell would she be doing it professionally until she`s a lot, lot older and you know, you need life experience. I don`t believe in people who just hang out with other actors and go drama school. I mean, you got to go live. You got to go live a little. And so I don`t believe in people doing this young. There`s very few child actors who end up with a happy life. You know.
ANDERSON: That`s good advice. Christian -
BALE: Dress up, it`s great and that`s why I tell her, she does great dress up. She`s told me more than I`ll ever be able to teach her. And I tell her you know what darling I don`t do anything more serious than when she does when dresses up with her mates.
ANDERSON: Good luck tonight. Thank you so much. A.J..
HAMMER: Brooke considering all he`s been through, a lot of the drama going on that sort of eclipsed his acting career for a short time, it`s great to see how humbled he is by all of this going on with "The Fighter." There`s a big battle for best supporting actor though. It is Christian Bale taking on Geoffrey Rush and Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, John Hawkes. Who will take home that award? You`re watching a special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can you finish this line from your movie?
JEREMY RENNER, SUPPORTING ACTOR NOMINEE: Probably not but I`ll try.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If we get jammed up -
RENNER: The whole thing goes on the streets.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nice.
RENNER: I`m not saying in the accent.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Way to go. And how long ago did you film?
RENNER: A year, a year and like four months ago.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That`s quite a memory.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HAMMER: Welcome back to the special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold." I`m A.J. Hammer coming to you from just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
ANDERSON: And I`m Brooke Anderson, live on the very eventful red carpet as we count down to the 83rd Academy Awards. And I just got the opportunity to speak with the oh so lovely actress Sandra Bullock. Just a year ago she was here and won an Oscar for her role in "The Blind Side."
Listen to what she told me just moments ago.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: I`m here with the beautiful Sandra Bullock looking so striking in red. How did you choose this? Who is this?
SANDRA BULLOCK, ACTRESS: It`s Vera Wang. It got chosen at the last minute because primarily there`s this little guy who notices red right away. And this way maybe he`ll notice me over Halle Berry.
ANDERSON: Did he help you at all, are you referring to your little baby boy?
BULLOCK: Because he gives the once over. But he loves red.
ANDERSON: Your life changed you. You are a mother now.
BULLOCK: I am. I think it has just made me a better person. Period. It makes you see life through your kids` eyes. And you realized, you don`t remember your childhood very well so I get to experience it again through him. So I hope he`s made me a better person because I feel like it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: A.J., she is such a class act and she, of course, has been through so much. The divorce from Jesse James in the past year. She`s now a single mother. She adopted that beautiful baby boy, Louie, but always so gracious and always so kind. Just a lovely person.
HAMMER: No pressure of having an acceptance speech ready tonight, Brooke. And I`m back with our special celebrity and fashion correspondent Camille Grammer from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." Camille, I`m always amazed at these award shows, particularly the Oscars when it doesn`t seem like the person winning the award is prepared.
They`re nominated but they didn`t write the speech or it`s crumpled up on a napkin. When you and Kelsey went to these award shows, if he was nominated, would he always have a speech prepared?
GRAMMER: No. He would always wing it. He never prepared a speech, which is amazing.
HAMMER: I don`t understand that.
GRAMMER: That`s a talent.
HAMMER: So much care goes into putting on the right dress, getting the right outfit together. Can`t you sit down and maybe get a speech together? Because not everybody has that kind of talent like Kelsey Grammer does to wing it like that?
GRAMMER: He knew he could wing it. He`s really good at that. Quite a gift.
HAMMER: All right. We`re going back down to Brooke Anderson who is down on the red carpet. Brooke, who you got?
ANDERSON: Hi there, A.J.. Yes, Mark Wahlberg and his lovely wife, Rhea Durham, are a couple of outlets down from me right now. We`re waiting on them. He, of course, is a star in the Oscar nominated film "The Fighter." And he also is a producer on that movie. But things are slowing down right now because everyone is making their way into the Kodak Theater. But hopefully we`ll get some more stars. So stay tuned, much more to come. This is a special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight, Road to gold."
MARK WAHLBERG, ACTOR: I always wanted to be a champion of some form, whether it`s in the ring, or on the baseball field, winning the World Series. I mean, my dream is always to be an athlete so acting has allowed me to fulfill so many childhood fantasies. You know, wearing an NFL uniform, playing a basketball player. I played a hockey player. And now playing, you know, a world champion boxer. It is incredible.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back to this special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight, Road to Gold." I`m Brooke Anderson coming to you live from the red carpet in Hollywood.
HAMMER: And I`m just so excited, Brooke, I just can`t wait to get in here because we`re having so much fun just outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. I`m A.J. Hammer. Now we`re just minutes now away from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. Talking fashion right now with "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Camille Grammer. And let`s talk about Helena Bonham Carter actually. What do you think - because she was so afraid of being a disaster tonight?
GRAMMER: Well, I think she was. It looks like Edward Scissorhands got a hold of her dress. And I`m not a fan of the fan. Bad choice.
HAMMER: All right. Scarlett Johansson walked the red carpet just moments ago. What did you make of her outfit? I think she`s a beautiful, beautiful young lady.
GRAMMER: I think she`s a beautiful, beautiful young lady. But I`m not fan of the dress.
HAMMER: OK. Let`s move on to Sharon Stone who also, always so elegant and stunning. No, you`re shaking your head.
GRAMMER: "Black Swan." She`s doing the "Black Swan" tonight.
HAMMER: In terms of what she was wearing or something else?
GRAMMER: In terms of what she was wearing. A little too much Cruella Deville, is what I`m saying.
HAMMER: So in other words, what you`re saying is not what you would have done.
GRAMMER: No. Not what I would have done. Again, a beautiful lady but not a fan of the dress.
HAMMER: Nicole Kidman is walking down the red carpet tonight as an Oscar nominee for her incredible performance in "Rabbit Hole." Should she have stayed in the rabbit hole?
GRAMMER: You said it.
HAMMER: No, I didn`t say it. I`m asking you. That`s what you`re here.
GRAMMER: The dress is it was fine. It was just fine but I wasn`t impressed, unfortunately.
HAMMER: How does that happen though? Because if you`re saying that obviously other people are saying that and so much thought goes into picking these outfits out.
GRAMMER: Absolutely. I mean, you know, for the last several years, Nicole Kidman always had this impeccable taste in style. But tonight I was disappointed in her dress.
HAMMER: Well, let`s go down to the red carpet where all of the stars are walking, dressed poorly or excellently. Brooke Anderson is right there. Brooke?
ANDERSON: Hey, there, A.J., yes, best actress nominee Natalie Portman just arrived. So all eyes are on her. I hope that we have a shot that we can take of her. But she just arrived, looking lovely, glowing like a mother to be in a plum-colored gown. So hopefully I`ll get to speak with her in a couple of minutes but I did just moments ago speak with actress Amy Adams.
She is nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "The Fighter." She`s so excited to be here, it is her third nomination so you would not think that she would be nervous but she`s kind of having a lot of anxiety. Listen to what she told me.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: What was your day like today?
AMY ADAMS, BEST SUPPORTING OSCAR NOMINEE: I spent the morning with my baby, and then just started getting ready. There was horsey back rides, laughter, and music, and it was just a really fun time.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: And she said, yes, that really is the best part of the day, even on the day of the Academy Awards. That is so true. I also spoke with fellow mother, Helena Bonham Carter. Helena Bonham Carter is a fellow nominee of Amy Adams in the best supporting actress category for her tremendous performance in "The King`s Speech." Listen to what she told me.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: You`ve been nominated before. Does it make it any easier when you`ve been here before?
CARTER: I think so. It does. Because it can be a shock to be honest, the first time. You don`t realize, in fact, it`s going to be a chat-a-thon from the moment you`re nominated to the point when it is all over. Tomorrow, I can relax. And it can take you by surprise. I remember being shocked, like it was a long time ago - 12 years.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: A.J., Helena always likes to walk on the wild side with her fashion and I like that about her.
HAMMER: And while she`s just so, so good. Right now back with me up here just outside the Kodak Theatre, Brooke, is acclaimed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. Of course, the big award of the night, the one it wind it all down, Sheryl Lee, best pictures. 10 nominees this year. A lot of people saying the big battle is the "Social Network" and "The King`s Speech." I`m leaning towards "The King`s Speech" right now.
RALPH: I got to tell you something, I watched it seven times. "True Grit" is a great movie. You know, the whole fact that this young woman in the 1800s is still facing, was facing some of the battles then that young women still face to this date? And she was the one with the "True Grit." Not the sheriff. She had the true grit so I think, you know, if there was going to be an upset, I`d have to say "True Grit." "Social Network" was pretty good. You know, it was very quick, fast, I love the way they use flashback and maybe weaved it into the present. So that was good but I loved "True Grit."
HAMMER: OK. Clearly. (INAUDIBLE) was good too.
Well, let`s go out to syndicated radio host Carlos Diaz. Carlos is in the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. That`s in the path of where all the stars are making their way to the Oscars right now. Carlos, a lot of people are actually saying that "Black Swan" is the dark horse in this race.
DIAZ: It is. And that`s the thing. I mean, you have so many awards going, Natalie Portman, you hope the momentum can carry over but I don`t think it will. Who will win? I would have to say "The King`s Speech." Who should win? The "Social Network." That`s the movie of the year. I mean we`re talking Facebook all over this show. That`s the movie of our time.
And by the way, the guys back here at the bar, there are some guys back here at the bar from the Boston neighborhood where they made "The Fighter." They told me they`d beat me to a pulp if I didn`t choose "The Fighter." So I`m still going with "Social Network."
HAMMER: We don`t want them to bloody up that nice tuxedo shirt you got there. Very quickly, who is your pick for best director, Sheryl Lee?
RALPH: Best director, I`m going to have to go with Aronofsky. He directed "Black Swan," like it was like a piece of art. There were very special things did he that made it outstanding.
HAMMER: I think you`re right. I think that`s definitely where it will get us. Sheryl Lee Ralph, thank you very much. And that is it for this special live edition of "Showbiz Tonight, Road to Gold." I`m A.J. Hammer.
ANDERSON: I`m Brooke Anderson. Thanks for watching. And hey, this is just the start of our complete coverage of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. Join us after the Oscars for the very latest results as the "Showbiz Tonight Road to Gold" continues at 11:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN. See you then.
Right now we turn it over to Anderson Cooper and "CNN Presents."
END
