Oscar nominations are set to be announced

• The Oscar nominations are set to be announced at 8:30 a.m. ET.
• “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “The Fabelmans” and “Top Gun: Maverick” could be in the mix.
• The Academy Awards ceremony will be held March 12.

• The nominations for the 95th annual Academy Awards are set to be announced on Tuesday morning.

  Actor and producer Riz Ahmed and actress Allison Williams will announce all of the award nominees in a two-part livestream that will be broadcast across the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences’ social media accounts and the organization’s

• Contenders to be nominated for the biggest prizes of the ceremony, which will take place on March 12, include “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Elvis,” “The Fabelmans,” “Tar” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”

  Michelle Yeoh (“Everything Everywhere All At Once”) and Cate Blanchett (“Tar”) appear to be shoo-in nominees for best actress, while Austin Butler (“Elvis”), Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”) and Colin Farrell (“The Banshees of Inisherin”) are expected to pick up nods in the best actor category.

  Steven Spielberg is expected to pick up a best director nomination for “The Fabelmans,” a semi-autobiographical film based on his own childhood. Todd Field is also expected to be in the mix for “Tar” and Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”

  The 95th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with Jimmy Kimmel as host and will be televised live on ABC. This year’s ceremony is sure to draw extra attention after Will Smith smacked Chris Rock during last year’s show.

Jennifer Connelly Says Tom Cruise Deserves Oscar Nom for ’Top Gun: Maverick‘ Performance: ‘He’s Extraordinary’

Jennifer Connelly starred in one of the biggest movies of 2022, “Top Gun: Maverick,” as badass bar owner Penelope Benjamin, who has a love connection with Tom Cruise’s Maverick. Cruise’s name has been kicked around as a potential dark horse best actor Oscar nominee, and Connelly told Variety that the nod would be well-deserved due to the scope of his accomplishments on set.

“He’s extraordinary,” she said. “He does an amazing job in the movie. He’s extraordinary as a person and fantastic as an actor, and I think that he is just perfect. He embodies that character so beautifully, and I think he absolutely deserves it.”

“I think that the film is a really well made film and it’s really hard to make a film like that,” Connelly continued. “Also, thinking about Tom’s work, think of the things that he did for that role. Besides all the stuff on the ground and how wonderful he is in those scenes and creating those relationships…I think the relationship he has with Miles’ character is so beautiful and moving. But the work that he did to accomplish those flying sequences, it’s something else.” Connelly spoke about Cruise during a discussion about her new movie “Bad Behaviour” at the Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance. She was joined by her co-stars Ben Whishaw and Alice Englert. Englert also wrote and directed the film, which is about a difficult mother-daughter relationship that is fundamentally changed by a retreat for spiritual enlightenment.

“In general, I really appreciated the tone of the writing,” Connelly said about why she signed on for the film. “Specifically, one scene that really tickled me was the mother-baby exercise scene. By the time I got there I was like, ‘This is so funny. This is so deliciously funny to me.’ I was kind of hooked by then.”

 

Inside Lisa Marie Presley's Emotional Memorial Service at Graceland: Performances, Tributes and More

Lisa Marie Presley was honored at Graceland, her father Elvis Presley's former home, in Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday, and many of those closest to the late star were in attendance to pay their respects.

The service took place on the front lawn of Graceland, and was attended by Elvis star Austin Butler, Sarah Ferguson, and many more celebrities who knew Lisa Marie throughout her life. The sun shined through the overcast clouds on Graceland during the event, where it had been raining just the night before the emotional service, which was kicked off with a touching tribute and eulogy from Pastor Wayne Hunt, who remembered Lisa Marie's tenacity and strength, even through the toughest times in her life.

Former Memphis mayor AC Wharton then took the podium, and recalled how deeply Lisa Marie is ingrained in the very fabric of the city itself, as the only child of Memphis' most famous son.

"The city loved her sweet, loved her tender and loved her truly," Wharton shared, quoting one of Elvis' songs. "God bless you."

After Wharton, one of Lisa Marie's close friends, Billy Corgan, took the stage for a moving rendition of "To Shelia" by the Smashing Pumpkins. The performance brought many in the audience to tears, including Lisa Marie's daughter, Riley Keough. Among the other performers during Sunday's service, there was Alanis Morissette, who sang "Rest," as well as Axl Rose, who sat down at a piano to perform an emotional rendition of Guns N' Roses' "November Rain." Sarah got choked up as she addressed those in attendance, and recited a poem, featured on the programs, titled "A Tribute to Their Children."

Sarah explained that the poem was penned by George Frost, son of legendary British TV journalist David Frost, for his own father's funeral service in 2014. The poem concluded with the particularly resonant line, which reads, "And for my darling children who wonder what to do/ Just have a wonderful time, as I will, living through you."

Riley's husband, Ben Smith-Petersen, took the stage to share the eulogy that Riley wrote, as the 33-year-old actress was in tears in the audience. The message detailed all of her memories of her mom, and noted that Riley and her family are all products of Lisa Marie's heart. The touching eulogy expressed, "I hope you finally know how loved you were here."

Priscilla Presley also addressed the audience. Lisa Marie's grieving mother took the podium and spoke about her daughter's life, and her love for her children: daughter Riley, 14-year-old twin daughters Finley and Harper Lockwood, and her late son, Benjamin. She read a message from her cellphone from one of her granddaughters, who spoke about their love for their mom. 

Pricilla also spoke about Lisa Marie's love for her children, and how being a mother gave her hope to live a little bit longer. In one of the more emotional moments, Pricilla spoke of Lisa Marie's tragic loss of her son, Benjamin, and how Lisa Marie's death might have been from a "broken heart," following his passing in 2020. 

Toward the end of the service, The Blackwood Brothers delivered a moving performance of "How Great Thou Art."

James Blackwood Jr. also took to the podium and opened up about how the quartet -- then led by his famous father -- also sang at Elvis' funeral in 1977. He got choked up calling it a "full circle moment." The quartet then performed a moving arrangement of "Sweet Holy Spirit. The service was closed out by Jason Clark & The Tennessee Mass Choir, who sang "Revelation 19:1."

Fans were also encouraged to donate to the Elvis Presley Charitable foundation in Lisa Marie's memory. The charity offers support to various charitable organizations, especially focusing on arts, education, and children's programs in the Memphis and Whitehaven area.

While the service was open to the public, the event still had an intimate feel, as family and friends were seated in 10 rows of black folding chairs, separated by a small aisle, under a white tent at the doorstep of the Graceland mansion. Small boxes of tissue were placed along the aisles.

Fans and additional mourners gathered on the grass that lined the long driveway from the street to the home.

 Additionally, in lieu of white flowers -- traditional for a funeral service -- for Lisa Marie's celebration of life they instead had four large, vibrant colorful arrangements. including bright sunflowers, gerbera daisies, and bird of paradise flowers. The memorial also was livestreamed via Graceland's livestream page.  for those who could not attend in person.

Following the service, there was a procession to view Lisa Marie's final resting place in the Meditation Garden next to her son. All guests on the north lawn were able to join the procession following friends and family. 

In addition to Lisa Marie and Benjamin, Elvis, his parents, Vernon and Gladys, and Elvis' grandmother, Minnie Mae, are all buried at Graceland. There is also a smaller memorial stone for Elvis' twin brother, Jessie, who died at birth.

Prior to the memorial service, Lisa Marie's rep shared the Presley family's gratitude over the support they've received in the wake of the singer's shocking death. "Riley, Harper, Finley, and Priscilla are grateful for the support, well-wishes, and outpouring of love honoring their beloved Lisa Marie," the statement read.

Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital on Jan. 12 after going into full cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California. Responders performed CPR before transporting her to the hospital. Shortly thereafter, Lisa Marie died.

"Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie," a rep for the family confirmed to ET. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Aubrey Plaza's SNL Gifts Us Biden, Knope, and an (Even More) Unhinged M3GAN

In her first time hosting Saturday Night Live, Aubrey Plaza went above and beyond, even getting an actual presidential cameo with the return of Leslie Knope. Oh, and Joe Biden was there too.

  The Aubrey Plaza-hosted Saturday Night Live on January 21 was an absolute stunner. The Weekend Update segment alone would’ve rendered the episode the best of the season even if the rest of the show had stuck to pat Joe Biden impressions. How good was this episode? They got the real President Biden and fellow Delawarean made good to send in a taped welcome to Plaza during her monologue, in which he wished her well and celebrated the fact that her White Lotus character survived her vacation.

But then! On Update, Plaza reprised one of her most beloved roles: Here to comment on local government, Parks and Recreation's April Ludgate! Plaza, as April, took a seat at the news desk, grimacing at Colin Jost from under the hood of her signature grey sweatshirt. “I don’t know, you’re annoying me,” she said, fidgeting in the face of his questions. “Just ask my old boss, Leslie Knope.” As the 8H nation held its breath, Amy Poehler rolled up, complete with Knope’s signature crisp blazer and can-do attitude. The audience roared; April rolled her eyes. We’re not worthy!

Knope had lots of earnest questions for Jost. Like, could he comment on why Seth Meyers used to do Weekend Update alone and make it look so easy? Did it seem like her longtime crush Joe Biden was looking directly at her during his earlier address? Could she try her hand at telling a joke? The thrill of seeing former Update anchor Poehler back behind the desk was real. Put her in charge of everything, immediately. Knope passed on repeating a couple of jokes, declaring them too mean, settling instead for a ba-dum-dum about puppies. 

The whole episode was a gift that just kept giving. Bowen Yang made for a perfect George Santos, the Long Island politician whose biography is in fact a novel. He first appeared in the Fox Sports cold open, introducing himself as the former number one draft pick out of the University of College. He commented from the field in both congressman’s navy blazer and a red sequin dress with a full face. Weight snatched? Infinity. Shout out to Yang’s arm days at the gym.

On Weekend Update, Jost thought he was bringing out a scientist to comment on breaking news, but it was just Yang again in Santos’ politician cosplay navy blazer. “You lied about your mom dying in 9/11!” protested Jost. “I think I said 7/11?” said Yang. The lies spilled out of him like a hose on a summer day, as he held up a Covid test as proof that he’d passed a lie detector test. Defending the fact of his Jew-ish-ness, he claimed his ancestors were “the ones who told Anne Frank, ‘You should be writing this down.’” Two things can exist at once: We can want the real-life Santos immediately escorted out of all government buildings, forced back into the damp hush of oblivion and accountability, and we can root for his continued presence on the scene to guarantee future Yang impressions. 

The best sketch of the night was a spoof of the camp horror hit M3GAN. The only thing better than Chloe Fineman giving great big-eyed, big-bowed stare was Plaza taking a turn under the wig in a pitch for the sequel M3GAN 2.0: This One’s for the Gays. When M3GAN star Allison Williams herself turns up at the club to warn Yang and his other friends that they’re rooting for the wrong unhinged plastic woman, the gays greet her with unexpected reverence. “Are you from the show Girls?” one wonders. “Mama, if you’re getting your ass ate on TV you’re an ally, sis.” In an attempt to win back their affections, Plaza started singing Sia’s “Titanium,” her little robot voice a mix of pathos and menace. “I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose.” This little menace M3GAN is going to outlive us all.

Musical guest Sam Smith first performed their ubiquitous “Unholy,” wearing a silver devil-horned hat and a pink cake floof of a dress from under which Kim Petras appeared. 

They next appeared standing behind a choir for “Gloria.” A Botticelli of a blonde reclined on a sequin-draped chaise in front of them, her expression beatific and aglow, transfixed by some heavenly wonders above. Is that… no….could it be? But why? That is definitely Sharon Stone, and I want to see more of her in every medium.

Truly, a banger. As host, Plaza appeared in nearly every sketch, painted in Avatar blue, screeching as Miss France, and in a nun’s habit, threatening to leave the church. “Stealing is okay now,” she cried to her fellow nun, Molly Kearney. “And murder and 69’ing. And I want to try it and therapy and laser tag!” 

All this in an episode that gave us The Black Lotus, in which Black staff at an upscale audience are impervious to their guests’ drama. Fineman wrapped herself back up in Jennifer Coolidge’s pink head scarf and some genius in the costume department stuck Portia’s bucket hat on Sarah Sherman’s noggin.

All this water to drink, when our cups would’ve been filled just by the sight of Plaza and Poehler in a tight embrace during the cast goodbyes. What a way to kick off a new year.

WXRT host Lin Brehmer dies at 68

Brehmer died Sunday morning, more than six months after taking a leave of absence for chemotherapy to fight prostate cancer.

 Lin Brehmer, a longtime WXRT (93.1) host known for his witty radio essays, died Sunday morning at age 68 after taking time off for a cancer diagnosis.

It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that we all lost our best friend. Lin Brehmer fought cancer as long as he could,” fellow host Terri Hemmert wrote in a post Sunday morning. “He passed early this morning, peacefully, with his wife and son by his side.”

Brehmer announced last July that he was taking a break from the station to undergo chemotherapy for prostate cancer. He said he had been undergoing various treatments, including radiation and drug therapies, for “several years.” He briefly returned to air in November, telling CBS2-Chicago that “Radio has been my life.”

Brehmer was with WXRT for more than three decades, most of them as morning DJ until he slid to middays in 2020. He’s perhaps beset known for his radio essays called “Lin’s Bin.”

The segment consisted of his response to a listener’s question, interweaving prose with his encyclopedic knowledge of music and popular culture. “Lin’s Bin” was often funny and sometimes serious.

Those essays satisfied a creative yearning for Brehmer, who developed a love for literature in high school. “It’s a creative outlet. There is nobody looking over my shoulder,” Brehmer told the Sun-Times in 2018.

In that interview, Brehmer described himself as an “anti-shock jock.”

“It’s just not who I am,” he said. “The closest I come to shock jock is standing up for civil rights or religious freedom. That’s very shocking these days.”

Born in Queens, New York, Brehmer began his radio career as a Sunday morning DJ in Albany. At that gig, he was nicknamed “the Reverend” because he would recite poetry over song introductions. “I would slip into Dylan Thomas or William Wordsworth,” he told Sun-Times.

Brehmer moved to Chicago in 1984 to be the music director at ‘XRT. He worked behind the scenes until 1990, then took a short-lived radio job in Minneapolis. “I was there for 12 months, had a great time ... then found out the owner of my radio station was bankrupt. So it made things very dicey,” Brehmer said.

He came back to ‘XRT and took Hemmert’s spot as the morning DJ.

WXRT will celebrate Brehmer’s life Monday at 10 a.m., Hemmert wrote.

“We’ll hold each other up through this heart-breaking time. Lin would want that. Take nothing for granted,” Hemmert wrote.

NCIS: Los Angeles Ending 

This Season

The Los Angeles NCIS team will be turning in their badges this spring, after 14 years of crimefighting (and chasing down a frighteningly large amount of nuclear materials).

TVLine has learned that NCIS: LA will be ending its run at the end of this season, its 14th, with the series finale airing Sunday, May 14 at10/9c.

The first and longest-running NCIS spinoff will thus wrap after delivering 322 total episodes, having hit the 300 milestone with last year’s season finale.“For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles has been a stalwart of our lineup with characters who were a joy to watch,” Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said in a statement. “It’s no surprise this show succeeded as a global franchise. From Day 1, the cast, producers and crew were amazing Network/Studios partners, and their teamwork, talent and spirit vividly came through on the screen. We are so grateful for the collaboration and remarkable run of these treasured members of our CBS family, and plan to give them the big sendoff they and their fans deserve.”NCIS: LA showrunner R. Scott Gemmill in turn said, “I want to thank both the Network and Studios for their partnership and support over the years; Shane Brennan for giving us such a great playground; and my partners John P. Kousakis, Frank Military, Kyle Harimoto and Andrew Bartels for their tireless efforts and collaboration episode after episode. Our crew has grown to be a true family, and their hard work and dedication has been fundamental to our success year after year,” Gemmill continued. “My deepest gratitude to the cast members, who have brought our characters to life with their impassioned performances — thank you for your talent, professionalism and continuous enthusiasm. And to our loyal viewers who loved our characters and followed their journeys, thank you. We look forward to delivering an end to the series that is both satisfying and does justice to these beloved characters.” Season-to-date, NCIS: Los Angeles is averaging 6.2 million total viewers and a 0.6 demo rating (with Live+7 DVR playback factored in), down 15 percent from its Season 13 numbers. Among the 13 dramas that CBS has aired this TV season, it ranks No. 12 in total audience (besting only CSI: Vegas) and is in a six-way tie for eighth in the demo. As part of the franchise’s recent 3-way crossover event, the NCIS: LA hour drew just shy of 10 million viewers (with Live+7 playback), marking the spinoff’s biggest audience since March 17, 2019.

 

Chelsea step up Mason Mount contract talks amid Liverpool interest

Chelsea are stepping up attempts to agree a new contract with Mason Mount in the face of the growing prospect of Liverpool trying to buy the midfielder this summer.

Mount has 18 months on his deal and Chelsea, who are weighing up whether to increase their offer for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, are yet to meet his wage demands. The uncertainty has led to questions over whether negotiations will come to a successful conclusion and Liverpool, who are planning a rebuild of their midfield, are prepared to act on their interest in the England international if the situation drags on.

Chelsea would be reluctant to lose Mount, particularly to one of their closest rivals, and remain optimistic they will convince the 24-year-old to stay. Mount, who has been at Chelsea since the age of six, is popular with supporters and has been one of the team’s best performers since breaking into the squad in 2019.

However Mount, whose £75,000-a-week wage makes him one of the lower earners, wants Chelsea to prove they value him. There is a risk of the club making one of their most dedicated players feel underappreciated. Chelsea are willing to make Mount a sizeable offer, though terms would need to be pitched at a reasonable level. Talks are due to resume and Chelsea are ready to be as generous as possible.

It would not be in Chelsea’s interests for negotiations to move slowly. Liverpool are monitoring the situation closely and have been putting plans in place for a summer move. Mount has also attracted interest from Juventus.

Liverpool, who host Chelsea on Saturday, are keen to refresh their ageing midfield. Jürgen Klopp’s side have slipped to ninth – level on points with Chelsea – and are in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool are also interested in Caicedo, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Wolves’ Matheus Nunes.

Chelsea are also looking to strengthen their midfield and have had a £55m bid for Caicedo rejected. It is understood that Brighton, who want £75m, have started to look for potential replacements for the Ecuador international. But they are under little pressure to sell and Chelsea, who are considering signing a defensive midfielder on loan, could wait until the summer before trying again to buy the 21-year-old.

Chelsea also confirmed the signing of the England Under-21 forward Noni Madueke from PSV Eindhoven on Friday evening in a deal believed to be worth £35m.