USA today: Stars may align for strike settlement to save Oscars

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/movieawards/oscars/2008-01-23-oscar_telecast_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — Maybe the Oscars won't be star-less after all.

After a nearly three-month standoff pitting Hollywood's actors and striking writers against network and studio executives, there's optimism that an accord could be reached before the ceremony Feb. 24.

"There's still a way to go, but I'm confident they'll come to an agreement," says James Schamus, head of Focus Features and a negotiator for the Writers Guild during its contract settlement in 2005.


By Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
At 2006 show: Jon Stewart is set to host for the second time.


"I think fences are being mended."

Some of those repairs, analysts say, came last week, when the Directors Guild of America reached a tentative three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The deal gave most directors a 3% raise and boosted royalties on DVD sales and movies streamed over the Internet — a sticking point with the Writers Guild.

"I think the DGA deal might have changed some things," says Nancy Oliver, who was nominated for best original screenplay for Lars and the Real Girl. "It finally feels like there's some action."

Influential Hollywood players such as Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Steven Spielberg have urged both sides to return to the table.

FULL story at link.

[Cant trust em]

1. Go see Juno.

Excellent film with a fantastic soundtrack.

[aquart]

2. Oscars are billions in free publicity for movies. Billions.

[ronnykmarshall]

3. and major $$$ for our economy in Los Angeles.

AND you don't want to fuck with the Gay Men's Superbowl. It will NOT be pretty, trust me. I seen it!