Blagden boards U's 'Les Miz'

George Blagden may have Grantaire in Universal's "Ces Miserables," starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Tom Hooper is helming the pic, which stars Hathaway As Catwoman, Amanda Seyfried and Eddie Redmayne. William Nicholson Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg modified the Victor Hugo novel. Pic is slated to bow on 12 ,. 7. Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce for Working Title alongside Cameron Mackintosh and Debra Hayward. Blagden just wrapped shooting round the indie "The Philosophers" and it is visible next in Warner Bros.' "Wrath in the Leaders." He's represented by Paradigm, Untitled and Lou Coulson Affiliate marketers. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Brisk pace gives winners last word

No host. No superfluous song-and-dance numbers. And, consequently, no marathon running time.In the winter whirlwind known as kudos season, the Screen Actors Guild Awards telecast is celebrated almost as much for what it isn't as for what it is: A briskly paced two-hour ceremony that allows actors to honor those peers who have given the year's best performances in film and television.Expect that to once again be the case come Sunday when the telecast is simulcast live on TNT and TBS from the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles."My philosophy," says longtime exec producer-director Jeff Margolis, "is, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'?"With just 13 trophies to present, all of them to thesps, the kudoscast is as star-studded at the winner's podium as it is in the audience."It doesn't matter where I put the camera," says Margolis, who spends 11 months out of the year working on the show. "You're going to see somebody you know. That's exciting for the audience at home."Not to mention a perfect fit Turner's cable nets that air the show."We have a real fondness for stars," says Michael Wright, exec VP and head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM. "That's on display in the movies we run and the series we acquire and develop."Besides the individual and ensemble acting awards, which are voted on by the guild's 100,000-plus strong membership, this year's telecast will honor Oscar nominee and multiple Emmy winner Mary Tyler Moore with the Life Achievement Award. Moore will be presented with the statue by her former TV husband Dick Van Dyke.There will also be the telecast's trademark opening, which features actors sharing often-funny, little-known moments from their careers, and the "In Memoriam" segment, which honors those members of the guild who have passed away during the year.And for those actors fortunate enough to win their respective categories, Margolis has only one note that he hopes will resonate with all: Keep the acceptance speech to 45 seconds or less. Seriously."Speeches in the past couple of years have started to get a little longer," he says. "I hope I don't have to cut anybody off this year."SAG AWARDS 2012Idol of capri to acting icon | Howard talks up AFTRA merger | Acad, SAG share same voter pool | Partygoers relax, revel after the show | Stunts given due | Brisk pace gives winners last word | Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Annapurna ankles 'Side Effects'

Despite a release last week from distributor Open Road, it appears that Annapurna Pictures will not be financing Steven Soderbergh's "Side Effects." Open Road, which had signed on to distribute the film domestically, announced Jan. 18 that the two companies would partner on the film, produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Gregory Jacobs and Scott Z. Burns, who also wrote the screenplay. Annapurna's Megan Ellison, Marc Butan and Ted Schipper were to have served as exec producers. Annapurna's decision to drop off the film came late on Friday, sources told Variety. At one point, project had three high-profile thesps attached -- Channing Tatum, Blake Lively and Jude Law -- but their current involvement is unclear. Meanwhile, Open Road said it's still onboard: "The Open Road deal to release the picture is in place," a spokesperson for Open Road told Variety. Plot details are still under wraps. While the film currently has no financier, sources tell Variety that the film has multiple offers and will likely lock down a deal before Sundance is over. Annapurna is behind a number of notable projects slated for release this year, including John Hillcoat's "Wettest County," the Brad Pitt-toplined "Cogan's Trade" and Kathryn Bigelow's untitled project about the capture of Osama Bin Laden. Annapurna did not return requests for comment. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com

Beyonce Repetition States Entertainers First Interview Since Pregnancy Is Completely Composed

First Launched: The month of the month of january 17, 2012 4:41 PM EST Credit: WireImage Caption Beyonce hosts the screening of Live at Roseland: Sun And Rain of 4 within the Paris Theatre, NY City, on November 20, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Beyonce did not give the interview to British gossip magazine Star, in regards to the birth of her baby, Blue Ivy, a repetition for your celebrity told Access Hollywood. Despite the fact that British publication was broadly stated on the internet on Tuesday, in colaboration with quotes about motherhood credited for the new mother, her repetition demands it's not an authentic interview. Completely composed, the repetition told Access. When asked for once the interview was legitimate, the repetition responded, certainly not. Beyonce and husband Jay-Z are actually infamously private regarding personal lives, rarely speaking about their particular relationship in public areas. The singer was several several days pregnant before she broke what is the news herself about her impending arrival finally falls MTV Video Music Honours. Access Hollywood has showed up at out multiple occasions to Star Uk, but a repetition wasn't designed for comment throughout time of publication. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Michael Kahn nabs dual ACE noms

Michael Kahn has gotten dual nominations in the American Cinema Editors for "The Adventures of Tintin" and "War Equine." ACE elected for top-profile challengers because it revealed 13 films in three groups Monday because of its top feature film honours. Those who win is going to be introduced February. 18 in events in the Beverly Hilton. Kahn, longtime editor for Steven Spielberg's films, was became a member of within the dramatic category by Kevin Tent for "The Descendants," Angus Wall for "The Lady using the Dragon Tattoo," Thelma Schoonmaker for "Hugo" and Christopher Tellefsen for "Moneyball." Within the comedy-musical category, ACE selected Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius for "The Artist," William Kerr and Michael L. Purchase for "Bridesmaids," Alisa Lepselter for "Night time in Paris," Adam Recht for "My Week With Marilyn" and Dana E. Glauberman for "Youthful Adult." Additionally to Kahn's nom for "Tintin" within the animated category, ACE also named Eric Dapkewicz for "Puss in Boots" and Craig Wood for "Rango."BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (DRAMATIC):The DescendantsKevin Tent, A.C.E.The Lady using the Dragon TattooAngus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter, A.C.E.HugoThelma Schoonmaker, A.C.E.MoneyballChristopher Tellefsen, A.C.E.War HorseMichael Kahn, A.C.E.BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (COMEDY OR MUSICAL):The ArtistAnne-Sophie Bion & Michel HazanaviciusBridesmaidsWilliam Kerr & Michael L. SaleMidnight in ParisAlisa LepselterMy Week with MarilynAdam RechtYoung AdultDana E. Glauberman, A.C.E.BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:The Adventures of TintinMichael Kahn, A.C.E.Puss in BootsEric DapkewiczRangoCraig Wood, A.C.E.BEST EDITED HALF-HOUR SERIES FOR TELEVISION:Curb Your Enthusiasm: "Mister Softee"Roger NygardCurb Your Enthusiasm: "Palestinian Chicken"Steven Rasch, A.C.E.Modern Family: "Express Christmas"Steven Rasch, A.C.E.BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR COMMERCIAL TELEVISION:Breaking Bad: "Finish Occasions"Kelley DixonBreaking Bad: "Face Off"Skip MacDonaldFriday Evening Lights: "Always"Angela M. CatanzaroThe Good Wife: "Genuine ArticleInchHibah Frisina, A.C.E.The Walking Dead: "Save the final One"Hunter Via, A.C.E.BEST EDITED ONE-HOUR SERIES FOR NON-COMMERCIAL TELEVISION:Boardwalk Empire: "Towards the Lost"Tim StreetoGame of Thrones: "Baelor"Frances Parker, A.C.E.Homeland: "Pilot"Jordan Goldman, David LathamBEST EDITED MINISERIES OR Film FOR TELEVISION:Cinema VeriteSarah Flack, A.C.E. & Robert PulciniDownton Abbey, Episode 1.1John Wilson, A.C.E.Mildred Pierce, Part 1Affonso Gonalves & Camilla TonioloBEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY:Cave of Forgotten DreamsJoe Bini & Maya HawkeFreedom RidersLewis Erskine & Aljernon TunsilGeorge Harrison: Residing in the fabric WorldDavid TedeschiBEST EDITED REALITY SERIES:Anthony Bourdain - No Bookings: "Haiti"Eric LasbyBeyond Scared Straight : "Chowchilla"Take advantage of Goubeaux, A.C.E., Paul J. Coyne, A.C.E., Louise Abell, Audrey Capotosta, Maura Corey, Jeremy Gantz & Molly ShockWhale Wars: "Race in order to save Lives"Eric Myerson, Pete Ritchie & Josh Crockett Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

Judd Apatow Open To Doing Bridesmaids Sequel If The Idea Is Fantastic

First Published: January 13, 2012 2:03 PM EST Credit: WireImage Caption Judd Apatow, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Jon Hamm, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rebel Wilson,Paul Feig and Chris ODowd at the premiere Bridesmaids in Los Angele on April 28, 2011LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Judd Apatow isnt ruling out a sequel to the Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy-starring breakout comedy hit Bridesmaids. It truly is one of those situations where, if theres an idea that makes everyone incredibly excited to do it, it could happen, Apatow told a small group of reporters on Friday after the HBO panel for Girls at the Television Critics Association Winter Session in Pasadena. If we feel like its just a business proposition, it wont happen. And thats how it should be. I like sequels. I just made This Is 40, which is kind of a spinoff of Knocked Up about Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd and Get Him To The Greek is kind of a sideways spinoff of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I wish there could have been another Superbad, Apatow continued. So I always want there to be another one, but it really shouldnt be done unless the idea is fantastic. Previously, the Hollywood Reporter wrote that Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who she co-wrote the film with, werent working on a sequel and that Universal was considering moving on without its main star. When asked about the Wiig report, Apatow said nothing has been decided. The dust hasnt settled for us to even take a break and think about the characters and the world and to post-mortem the entire situation, he said in response to a question from AccessHollywood.com. So, I think, everyones opinion could change by the day. But, whats wonderful about everyone involved in the project, is they really want to do good work and they dont think moving forward just because everyone can get a raise is a reason to make a movie, is very healthy. Regardless of sequels, the nominations for the 2012 Oscars are coming up and Apatow would enjoy seeing anyone from the film including Wiig receive a nomination. Absolutely, he told Access, when asked if hed like to see her receive a Best Actress nom. I think its very easy to underestimate how brilliant and complicated that performance is. People tend to reward negative emotions a lot of crying and pain but people who can create a three dimensional character, but be hilarious and delightful, you also feel for them. Its a rare talent. So it would be amazing for Kristen, for Melissa, for the writing anything would be pleasant. Beyond talk of Bridesmaids, Apatow was at the TCAs on Friday to promote his new comedy, Girls, which stars Lena Dunham and features Allison Williams, daughter of NBC Nightly News host Brian Williams. When youre shooting the show and Brian Williams is on the set, its hard to describe because you know that not only is he a caring father, but he also helps inform us as to whats happening in the world, Apatow said. Hes just a great man and hes hilarious and I just love him and his daughter is ridiculously talented. And Apatow wouldnt mind if the proud dad gave them a little push on TV. I hope he mentions it on the news, just throws in a plug, Apatow said. Girls debuts on HBO in April 2012. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

ABC Builds up Shawn Ryan Drama The Final Measure

Shawn Ryan ABC has greenlit The Final Measure, a advanced thriller within the Shield creator Shawn Ryan, TVGuide.com has confirmed. ABC snags a advanced Shawn Ryan drama and Jekyll and Hyde-inspired project The series notifies the story from the U.S. nuclear submarine crew who refuses direct orders to fire place nuclear missiles and really should continue the lam. They find sanctuary inside a NATO base where they declare the earth's smallest nuclear nation. Ryan will executive-result in the series, they written with Karl Gajdusek (Dead At All Like Me). Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) will direct the pilot.