MTV's Movie Smackdown 2012: Vote For Your Must See Flick!

Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy comes to an end, the "Twilight" saga reaches its conclusion and "The Avengers" finally assemble those are just a few of the monumental events hitting the big screen in 2012, easily one of the biggest years for movies in recent memory for those reasons and more. In fact, it's virtually impossible to decide which film is the one we're most eagerly awaiting, which is why we're turning to you: which movie are you most excited about in 2012? We'll get to the bottom of that question in MTV's Movie Smackdown 2012, a new tournament pitting 32 of the most anticipated movies of the coming year against each other, "Hunger Games" style! Get ready for MTV's Movie Smackdown 2012! Starting on Tuesday (January 3), we're asking you to vote for the movie you're most excited to see in 2012 based on our list of 32 titles. The following week, our list will pare down to a sweet 16 based on your votes. Those remaining movies will be pitted against each other in a series of single-elimination battles until only one film is left standingthe film that you're most excited about in 2012. Can the growing buzz on "The Hunger Games" outmatch the anticipated "Breaking Dawn" finale? Will a comic book movie flick like "The Dark Knight Rises" or "The Amazing Spider-Man" take the top prize? Which upcoming Snow White movie "SWATH" or "Mirror Mirror" is truly the fairest of them all? We'll find out what you think when the Smackdown begins. Tune into MTV Movies on January 3 for the first round of voting! Which movie are you most excited about in 2012? Let us know in the comments section and on Twitter!

Sony signs U.K. deal with Lovefilm

LONDON -- Sony has become the latest Hollywood studio to sign an exclusive U.K. distribution deal with Lovefilm, Amazon's online entertainment service. Like Lovefilm's previous pact with Warners, this creates a second pay TV window for Sony's movies, after the first window covered by Sony's output deal with BSkyB. Lovefilm's subscribers will be able to stream forthcoming Sony titles, as well as older films and TV series, from June 2012. Titles covered by the deal, which was signed with Sony Pictures TV, include "Arthur Christmas," "The Social Network" and "Salt." Since being taken over by Amazon early in 2011, Lovefilm has accelerated its deal-making with U.S. studios and independent distributors, to bolster its online streaming catalog alongside its established DVD rental-by-post service. It has signed deals with eOne, Studiocanal, Disney, Momentum and Lionsgate. Lovefilm is bidding to consolidate its market position ahead of the launch early next year of a rival U.K. streaming service by Netflix. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

EXCLUSIVE: Access Uncovers Hunger Games 100 Poster Puzzle Piece No. 28

First Released: December 15, 2011 11:05 PM EST Credit: Lionsgate La, Calif. -- Caption #HungerGames100 Puzzle Piece No. 28UPDATED: The brand new poster, marking the 100th day before the discharge of The Hunger Games, continues to be revealed. Click The Link to determine the entire poster! Allow the Games begin! Access Hollywood is solely revealing puzzle piece No. 28 from the Hunger Games 100 Poster Puzzle. Access piece, which you'll see HERE, has been revealed included in the puzzle search, marking the passing from the 100 day mark before the highly-anticipated film hits theaters. (The film opens on March 23, 2012.) Click The Link to download a PDF of Access Hollywoods bit of the puzzle. Or, click the link to determine Access puzzle piece and the newest Hunger Games posters. Beginning today, Hunger Games aficionados is going to be collecting the 100 different pieces across various sites and also on Facebook. Fans of Katniss, Peeta and Gale can place them together and solve the puzzle. Once solved, fans should publish the completed puzzle to Facebook, marking The Hunger Games Official Movie Page on Facebook within the publish. Click The Link to go to that Facebook page. Once someone solves the puzzle, Lionsgate will disclose the entire poster. Return afterwards AccessHollywood.com for that full poster. Click The Link for additional info on the puzzle piece search. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

'Big Bang Theory's' Johnny Galecki Reacts to Golden Globe Nomination

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images The morning after Barbara Walters unveiled her "10 Most Fascinating People" for 2011, a story began circulating that the veteran ABC News reporter plans to retire in 2012.our editor recommendsBarbara Walters Names Steve Jobs Most Fascinating Person of the Year (Video)Barbara Walters Reveals 'Most Fascinating' Details, Makes Kardashian Dig on 'Letterman'The Kardashians Make Barbara Walters' 'Most Fascinating People of 2011' List PHOTOS: The Most Talked-About TV News Faces TMZ reported that, while taping an upcoming segment with President Barack Obama, Walters was overheard expressing an interest in interviewing him once more before she retires "next year." Walters, who continues to run primetime specials with ABC News in addition to her weekly duties as a panelist on The View, has been speculated to be on the brink of retirement for years -- something an ABC acknowledged while dismissing the story. "Barbara has joked that she is retiring every year since the Clinton Administration," said ABC News EVP Jeff Schneider in a statement. "Anyone who just did a day trip to Syria and a 90 minute primetime special and interview with the President and First Lady hardly sounds like someone retiring from anything." VIDEO: Barbara Walters Names Steve Jobs Most Fascinating Person of the Year (Video) Whether or not she has an exit strategy for her career, she has cut back on her duties. 2010 marked the last installment of her Oscar special and she usually appears on The View just three days a week. PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The Most Talked-About TV News Faces ABC News Barbara Walters

DGA taps 3 for lifetime honours

The Organization company directors Guild of America has attracted on Erection dysfunction Sherin, Katy Garretson and Dennis Mazzocco to obtain its lifetime achievement honours.Sherin can get the DGA's Honorary Existence Member Award, in recognition of creative achievement, leadership on the market and contribution for the guild to be able to the profession of pointing.Garretson's been attracted on for your Frank Capra Achievement Award, presented to an assistant director or unit production manager in recognition of career achievement on the market and repair for the DGA. Mazzocco can get the Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award, presented to an connect director or stage manager in recognition of career achievement and repair for the DGA.DGA leader Taylor Hackford made the bulletins Wednesday.Sherin offered as national V . p . from 1997-2004 and oversaw restoration in the guild's NY building as well as the establishment of DGA Honors. He's also offered as second V . p . for just two terms and contains ongoing to be the national board member along with serving round the Eastern Company company directors Council in the last 15 years.Sherin began his career inside the late 19 fifties becoming an actor and established themselves just like a theater director with creating "The Fantastic White-colored Hope," which won the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award as well as the NY Drama Experts Award. He grew to become an associate from the DGA in 1969 and directed movies "Valdez Is OriginatingInch and "My Old Man's Place" telepics "A Relationship: Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz" and "Daughter in the Streets" and tv series including "L.A. Law," "Moonlighting," "Homicide," "Hill Street Blues," "Law and Order," "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" and "Law and Order: SVU."In 2002, the DGA honored Sherin while using Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award. DGA third V . p . Betty Thomas can have the existence member award within the guild's honours occasions on Jan. 28.Garretson labored attending school just like a tour guide at Universal Art galleries, became a member of the guild's Assistant Company company directors Training Program and was hired being the key factor second a.d. around the latest version of "Columbo" in 1990. She was selected chair in the AD/UPM Council three occasions, offered becoming an connect part of the DGA national board from 1999-2003 and contains been selected just like a delegate to 10 consecutive DGA biennial conventions.Garretson's first pointing chance came on "Frasier," and he or she has directed "Reba," "Female buddies," "Sid the Science Kid" and "Change!In . DGA Secretary-Treasurer Michael Apted can have the award.Mazzocco first went for just about any chair round the AD/SM/PA East Council in 2001 and contains offered five terms. More youthful crowd may serve as an connect part of the country's board and offered three occasions just like a part of the DGA's Network Discussions Committee.Mazzocco began his career at ABC Sports being an connect director on "Wide Arena of Sports." He's done broadcasts in the Super Bowl as well as the World Series, "Nightline," "Hello America," the Academy awards, "Dwts,Inch "One Existence to reside in,In . seven Olympic broadcasts on ABC and NBC and documentary series "ABC Notebook." Hackford can have the award. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com

'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Breaking Bad,' 'Simpsons' Top Writers Guild Award TV Nominations

Jeffrey Neira/CBSCBS' "The Good Wife" CBS topped the 2012 Producers Guild Television nominees, collecting five mentions including for best drama series The Good Wife.our editor recommends'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Breaking Bad,' 'Simpsons' Top Writers Guild Award TV Nominations NBC and HBO were second with three nominations; with the former picking up a pair in the best comedy series for 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation. The Tina Fey and Amy Poehler vehicles will compete with CBS' The Big Bang Theory, Fox's Glee and ABC's Modern Family round out the comedy series category. For best drama, the nominees include a pair of HBO series including freshman Game of Thrones and second year prohibition drama Boardwalk Empire; Showtime's Dexter, CBS' The Good Wife and AMC's Mad Men also picked up mentions. Nominees for live entertainment/talk show include Comedy Central's The Colbert Report; The Ellen DeGeneres Show (syndicated); HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher; NBC's Saturday Night Live; and CBS' The 64th annual Tony Awards. In the reality competition series, CBS' The Amazing Race will face off withFox's American Idol, ABC's Dancing With the Stars; Lifetime's Project Runway and Bravo's Top Chef. In the nonfiction TV category, the nominees are PBS' American Masters; Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations; DIscovery Channel's Deadliest Catch; ESPN's 30 for 30; and CBS' Undercover Boss. The PGA will announce film and other television nominees on Jan. 3, with winners unveiled Jan. 21 at the Beverly Hilton, where it will present special honors to Steven Spielberg, Leslie Moonves, Don Mischer and Stan Lee, among others. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Emmy Winners 2011: 'Mad Men,' 'Modern Family,' Julianna Margulies and Kyle Chandler

'Glee': Chord Overstreet Offers 5 Things to Know About Sam's Return

It's not the end of the world for Danish director Lars Von Trier with the Grasse public prosecutor's office officially dropping defamation charges against the outspoken filmmaker just after his Melancholia won the Best Film prize at the European Film Awards over the weekend.our editor recommendsLars Von Trier's 'Melancholia' Wins Best Film at European Film AwardsLars Von Trier Imposes Voluntary Gag Order on Himself After Police Questioning Grasse's public prosecutor Jean-Michel Cailleau told The Hollywood Reporter that "the case has been officially closed" and that authorities won't press charges against Von Trier. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas Authorities in Grasse had officially charged Von Trier with "justifying war crimes" in August punishable by up to five years in jail. "There was no intention on the part of Mr. Von Trier to commit the act of 'justifying war crimes'," Cailleau said. He added: "He expressed himself in a language that wasn't his own and also under very stressful circumstances." FILM REVIEW: Melancholia Von Trier infamously told journalists at this year's Festival de Cannes: "I really wanted to be a Jew, then I found out I was actually a Nazi. My family was German, Hartmann, which also gave me some pleasure. I understand Hitler, he certainly did some wrong things, but I can imagine him sitting in his bunker towards the end...now how can I get out of this sentence? OK, I'm a Nazi." CANNES 2011: Lars von Trier Admits to Being a Nazi, Understanding Hitler While the Festival de Cannes declared Von Trier persona non grata at the fest, Melancholia saw its lead actress Kirsten Dunst take the Best Actress prize at the festival. Despite dropping the charges, Cailleau said, "We were of course shocked by his words, and it was natural for the associations involved to react as they did." Cailleau added: "We received the sincerest apologies and don't wish to proceed further in this matter." PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas Related Topics Kirsten Dunst International Melancholia Lars von Trier

Jerry Sandusky Declines Abuse Accusations Again (Video)

BERLIN -- Lars von Trier's apocalyptic drama Melancholia blew them in the 24th European Film Honours, Europe's version from the Academy awards, taking home three trophies, including best film.our editor recommends'Melancholia': Second Trailer Shows Stunning Cinematography (Video)'The Artist': The way a Black-and-Whitened Quiet Movie Defied the chances and Grew to become an Oscar ContenderWhy The Ecu Film Honours Will Matter This Season "I don't possess a message from Lars for you personally while he has stopped making public claims. I'm able to't imagine why," stated among Melancholia's producers as she recognized the recognition on von Trier's account, making mention of the the director's infamous professional-Hitler quips in Cannes this season. Melancholia's cameraman Manuel Alberto Claro got the very best cinematography jerk for his hypnotic lensing of earth's final days and production designer Jette Lehmann won the EFA on her opulent sets. Melancholia was the chances-on favorite to accept top prize only at that year's EFA's. The host from the 24th European Film Honours, German comedienne Anke Engelke, acknowledged the film's leader status when she began the show, making her entrance on stage inside a wedding gown walking in slow-mo, aping Dunst's character within the von Trier drama. But Von Trier was outperform within the best director race by fellow Dane Susanne Bier on her Language Oscar champion Inside a Better World. And also the European Film Academy preferred Tilda Swinton's gripping performance because the mother of the killer in We have to Discuss Kevin to Kirsten Dunst's depressed bride in Melancholia, giving Swinton the very best actress jerk. Colin Firth added an EFA best actor trophy to his Oscar using what will probably be his last recognition for that King's Speech. Neither Firth nor Swinton managed to get towards the EFA ceremony, that was somewhat low-wattage when it comes to star energy. The King's Speech's award haul also incorporated the very best editing recognition for Tariq Anwar and also the People's Choice Award chosen on by European cinema goers. Oscar favorite The Artist won one EFA for the best composer jerk for Ludovic Bource's classic score. Bource designated the film's canine star for "inspiring all of the music" in Michel Hazanavicius' film. Another strong Oscar contender, the three dimensional dance film Pina from Wim Wenders won best European documentary. Belgium siblings Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne required the very best script recognition for his or her script towards the Kid having a Bike. Belgium's other large win from the evening was for Oxygen, from first-timer Hendes Van Nuffel, won the ecu Discovery prize for the best debut feature. Within the greatest surprises from the evening, French acting legend Michel Piccoli, who had been nominated within the category for playing the Pope in Habemus Papam, was hauled on stage to recieve an eternity achievement award from actor Bruno Ganz and director Volker Schlondorff. However the greatest laughs from the evening came because of Stellan Skarsgard and the tribute to Mads Mikkelsen, champion from the award for fulfillment in European cinema. Skarsgard switched it about his old friend right into a small-roast. "I don't admire you for the looks, since you're not attractive," Skarsgard riffed. "You possess an 'interesting' face. I understand you've been chosen most sexy guy in Denmark like 6 occasions but individuals are by individuals who don't know you. And we must remember, Denmark is an extremely small place." But Skarsgard ended on the sweet note. "Mads, all you do includes a clearness into it. There's nothing fuzzy by what you need to do. You're acting is clean, elegant and incredibly poetic." The greatest applause from the evening was for veteran British director Stephen Frears, who received an eternity achivement recognition. "Really, I'm all you don't," Frears stated towards the audience of European film professionals. "I'm no auteur and that i make cheerful films because I'm able to't stand the misery any longer. I'm only a bloke who makes films and hopes the crowd likes them. And That I'll attempt to fare better the next time.Inch Full listing of European Film Award those who win: EUROPEAN FILM 2011 Melancholia Dir. Lars von Trier EUROPEAN DIRECTOR 2011 Susanne Bier for Inside a Better World EUROPEAN ACTRESS 2011 Tilda Swinton in We Have To Discuss Kevin EUROPEAN ACTOR 2011 Colin Firth within the King's Speech EUROPEAN Film writer 2011 Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne for that Kid having a Bike CARLO DI PALMA EUROPEAN CINEMATOGRAPHER AWARD 2011 Manuel Alberto Claro for Melancholia EUROPEAN DOCUMENTARY 2011 Pina Dir. Wim Wenders EUROPEAN ACHIEVEMENT IN WORLD CINEMA 2011 Mads Mikkelson EFA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Stephen Frears EUROPEAN CO-PRODUCTION AWARD - PRIX EURIMAGES Mariela Besuievsky EUROPEAN ANIMATED FEATURE FILM 2011 Chico & Rita Dir. Tono Errando, Javier Mariscal & Fernando Trueba EUROPEAN EDITOR 2011 Tariq Anwar for that King's Speech EUROPEAN PRODUCTION DESIGN Jette Lehmann for Melancholia EUROPEAN COMPOSER Ludovic Bource for that Artist EUROPEAN DISCOVERY - PRIX FIPRESCI Oxygen (Belgium/Netherlands) Dir. Hendes Van Nuffel PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD The King's Speech EFA Video Clip AWARD The Wholly Family PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery The building of 'The Artist' Related Subjects The King's Speech Melancholia The Artist Colin Firth Kirsten Dunst Tilda Swinton Tom Hooper Susanne Bier Lars von Trier Aki Kaurismaki Michel Hazanavicius Worldwide

DeeDee Luxe and Calamity Chang, the Sexy Burlesque Ballroom dancers in 'Shame'

Casting the NC-17 sex-addiction drama 'Shame' only agreed to be as difficult as you may imagine. "I'd a lot of passes I could not even let you know,Inch stated casting director Avy Kaufman towards the La Occasions in November about his struggles to locate stars to pair with Michael Fassbender for a few of the film's more explicit moments. "I had been unbelievably frustrated." Though apparently insufficient to talk about that frustration with director Steve McQueen. When requested concerning the casting difficulties 'Shame' faced, specially the female roles that needed extensive nudity, McQueen refused any struggles. "That isn't true," he told Moviefone. "That's never been stated. It is simply not the case. [...] I only cope with stars. I am not coping with hookers or anything like this, no, not whatsoever. They are stars, and they are all credited within this movie." Indeed they're. Meet DeeDee Luxe and Calamity Chang, two professional burlesque ballroom dancers who take part in of 'Shame's' most scintillating moments: a threesome that signals Brandon (Fassbender) is coming near the foot of his addiction. Luxe and Chang, who play "Late Evening Lover #1" and "Late Evening Lover #2," make their feature film debuts in McQueen's new drama, and a minimum of one prominent critic is satisfied they are present. "His buddies, for the reason that climactic bout, are performed by DeeDee Luxe and Calamity Chang, two names that helped me more happy than other things within the film," authored Anthony Lane in the negative review for that NYer. "No such pleasure for Brandon while his is enmeshed with their own, his face is held in a desperate rictus, as though he were approaching the loudest sneeze of his existence, and what McQueen treasures this is actually the sullen aftermath, using the drained lecher sitting and crying near the decaying piers of the wharf. And that is what goes on to naughty little boys." Not too Luxe and Chang mind Lane's shout out. "Omfg @thenewyorker's film critic Anthony Lane mentions @DeeDeeLuxe & I in the review," authored Chang on Twitter. "He's a little grouchy," responded Luxe. For the relaxation of 'Shame's' stars, they appear happy with the knowledge -- even when things were a little racy. "I am so happy with what we should did within the film," stated Amy Hargreaves -- an actress who plays "Hotel Lover," and it has wild sex with Fassbender against expensive hotels window -- towards the La Occasions. "Though I am glad it's getting an NC-17 - my parents won't ever view it.Inch 'Shame' has gone out in limited release now, and certain to remain a fixture from the conversation through Oscar season because of Fassbender's brilliant lead performance. Additional confirming by Michael Hogan [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Watercooler: American Horror Story's Crowded House

American Horror Story It's a good thing the Harmon's new crib is so roomy, because the damn place is filling up fast! As we know, if you die on the American Horror Story property, you stay on the property. Which means the creepy plastic surgeon, his socialite wife, their Frankenstein baby, the home-invaders, the gay couple, Moira the two-faced maid, school-shooter Tate, and crazy Hayden are already haunting the halls of Murder House. And last night, two new permanent fixtures were revealed, including the notorious Black Dahlia (who apparently perished at the hands of a dirty dentist back in '47 - good detective work, Ryan Murphy!) and Constance's boy-toy lover, who left this mortal coil after major coitus with Ben's dead ex. That's a whole lot of deadbeat squatters, and there's still three more weeks left before the finale. So who else do we think will end up joining their ranks? And more importantly, if the show does go with the idea of a new family for next season, does that mean this crew will stick around to torment them? We're thinking an exorcism is in order to rid the place of its demons so another batch of baddies can take over the scares. And while they're at it, it might be a good idea to give Vivien some spiritual cleansing, as well. Because if that baby she's carrying really is the antichrist, nobody is gonna stand a ghost of a chance in that house come season two. You tell us, who should die before the finale? And do the ghosts need to go, or would you like to see them stick around next year? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine now!