Tony Awards...Book of Mormon sweep! "Show Tunes not just for gays" quips Neil Patrick Harris!

If you're a macho dude - inclined to whistle show tunes in the shower - don't worry about being a closet homo!

According to Neil Patrick Harris - by way of a show-topping musical sketch on an annual award-show last night - the "Tony" celebrations (and Broadway musicals) are not just for gays!

Notwithstanding - judging by the number of actors (and other creative types working behind-the-scenes on the theatrical front) who thanked their male lovers last night for standing behind them (!) - there are obviously a handful of performers in the biz who are definitely light in the loafers.

Bottom line?

In today's open-minded "sexually-liberated" society, who cares, eh?

Meanwhile, the cast of the "BOOK OF MORMON" were ecstatic over their big sweep last night.

The original musical nabbed 9 Tony Awards which included nods from the American Theatre Wing for the "Best Musical", "Best Book", and "Best Direction".

At the near-close of the night's festivities, Chris Rock mused that the prize for "The Book of Mormon" (created by the talented team at South Park) was a given.

"It's kind-of-like dating a hooker. At the end of the night, you know you're going to get laid," he quipped, as the rapt audience roared with gales of laughter.

"War Horse" - a project where the actors facilitated puppets (and a dollop or two of dazzling special effects) to weave a captivating tale for the stage - also walked away with a fistful of coveted statues.

Revivals also fared well this year at the Tony Awards.

"The Normal Heart", for example, scored with 3 nods.

There were a number of highlights throughout the entertaining two-hour broadcast worth mentioning as well.

A sketch with Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris - where the two actors scrambled to best each other on stage with the help of a handful of memorable hits from successful Broadway Musicals of the past - was a stand-out segment featuring some of the best one-liners of the night.

In one pensive moment, Bono took the stage to promote the musical - Spiderman - which he penned music for.

"How come there weren't any nominations for Spidey," he wondered aloud, as the theatre rippled with spontaneous laughter below the floodlights.

"We didn't make the entry deadline," his partner-in-crime fessed up without blinking-an-eye.

"Well, I feel humbled to be here, anyway" Bono quipped.

"You do humble, well," his pal shot back.

Actually, a ballad from the show that was performed on stage a short while later, showed a lot of potential.

I expect that if top-notch performers record the tune - with the Pop Charts in mind - that it will soar to great success (especially in respect to sales).

The night was not without mishap, though.

At one point, Brook Shields - who looked stunning by the way - tripped over her words at the podium.

"Although I do eight shows a week on stage live, no problem, I can't read a teleprompter," she giggled.

Then, there was a slip of the tongue - at which point - the Network stepped in.

"OMG," Shields exclaimed in so many words (as she covered her mouth in shock), "I guess I'm going to be bleeped!"

One nominee darted up to the stage when her named was announced and attempted to offer up an appropriate heartfelt speech.

But, the "Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical" - Nikki M. James - ended up stumbling for words as she became overcome with emotion.

"I was going to write a speech in the event I won, but I felt so silly," James confided to the sympathetic audience.

Things got a lot worse when the orchestra struck up a cue signalling her designated time on stage was up.

But, the rising star was quite adamant about her intentions, which went totally against the grain.

"I'm not getting off the stage," she lamented.

Ah, what followed, was so painful to watch.

Ouch!

Where is the hook when you truly need it?

By the by, when Paul Shaffer appeared on stage to introduce the cast of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", the audience went wild when the performers broke into song.

"It's Raining Men," they belted out loudly, as they strutted across the stage in wild fanciful outfits that delighted the packed house.

What an adrenalin rush!

Personally, I thought that one of the creative forces behind the "BOOK OF MORMON" was the best-dressed male in the room.

The handsome dude boldly teamed a black sparkly dress shirt (featuring a high collar) with a dark suit and dress shoes.

A fashion plate, alright.

In contrast, Tyne Daly sauntered out in what appeared to be an old bargain-basement curtain held together with a few unsightly bandages that criss-crossed her flabby silhouette.

Where were the Fashion Police when 'ya needed 'em?

On the other hand, Christie Brinkley dazzled in a low-cut pristine blue frock, which suited her to a "t".

Her bubbly charismatic on-stage persona spoke volumes and literally lit up the room!

"Anything Goes" - a perennial favorite - also won a couple of trinkets not surprisingly.

Unfortunately, Daniel Radcliffe sadly proved that he is not a triple threat.

Uh-huh!

The kid can act and dance - just swell - but the truth of the matter is that he lacks a stage voice (when it comes to belting out tunes, that is).

Radcliffe's warbling was breathy, weak, and not very impressive.

Stick to the fantasy flicks (or return engagements of Equus) eh, Daniel?

Otherwise, a good night was had by all.

Til next year!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Hugh Jackman...he said what about sex & Americans?

Jackman he-man persona revs up fans!

In response to persistent rumors about his sexuality, Hugh Jackman was inclined to go on record this past week and note in so many eloquent words, that he is not - aw! - gay!

Actually, it is what the buffed heart-throb didn't say, that may have raised a spectre of doubt in a handful of die-hard homoerotically-inspired male fans.

Jackman didn't say he wasn't bisexual!

Oh boy, now the rumor mills will start churning out the dirt, eh?

Yeah, I think like a sneak, I know.

I've heard so much double-talk from Bill Clinton over the years, that I am inclined to be on-the-ready to dissect chest hairs, if necessary.

The debonair leading man (who just recently hosted one the highest-rated Academy Awards shows in recent years) was careful not to ruffle any peacock feathers, though.

On the heels of his public "non-outing", the Australian star was quick to follow-up with a statement sure to keep him out of hot water with gays activists (pansies, too) around the globe.

"There is nothing shameful about it (homosexuality)."

Did he ever give it the old "college try" in the locker-room shower, I wonder?

Hugh (married with children) wasn't a shrinking violet when it came to the subject of the American psyche as it pertained to animal passions (sex).

"The questions about sexuality I find more here in America than anywhere else, because its a big hang-up and defines what people think about themselves and others."

"Its not a big issue in Australia," he added as he swaggered off into the sunset.

What a stud, eh?

Ever been in the sack with a Daddy?

http://www.julianayrs.com

The Oscars...Hugh Jackman danced his little butt off! The new James Bond???

As usual, critics grumbled and moaned about the quality (or lack thereof) of the 81st Annual Oscar Celebration in Tinsel town.

"Too long," many chided below the klieg lights at the Kodak.

One too many misguided cerebral moments, in my estimation.

In fact, the on-going proliferation of mind-boggling altruistic speeches from teary-eyed guests was enough to make me throw up, at one point!

Pottie-break!

But, Hugh Jackman scored an A+ for giving it the old college try.

The Aussie showman danced and sang his little heart out (to a captivated audience) and has the tight butt cheeks to prove it!

See 'ya next year, Hugh!

Unless the Academy chooses to go in a fresh direction - i.e. - with the new flavor of the month.

That's show biz!

Jackman, the new Bond?

http://www.julianayrs.com

The Oscars...Hugh Jackman & Beyonce to tête-à-tête! Zak Efron saunters on stage...

Fasten your seat belts, you're in for a bumpy ride tonight!

The rumor around the town the past few days is that Oscar producers have been trying to keep the identities of celebrity presenters and stage performers under wraps so that their glitzy walk-ons will be a surprise to viewers when they tune in on Sunday night.

But, this is Tinsel Town - after all - and the walls have Obama-sized ears!

In addition to hosting the little Gold man's big bash this year, hunky stud Hugh Jackman is allegedly slated to trip-the-light-fantastic under the flood lights with pop chanteuse Beyonce!

And, with the specific aim of rustling up nubile young blood in a bold-faced effort to boost ratings among the teeny-bopper set this year, the producers have hired on Zak Efron and Amanda Garrett (High School Musical) to showcase a catchy ditty or two at the 81st Annual Awards Show.

An insider whispered in my ear there will be close-up shots of the heart-throb's sensual eyebrows.

They're not waxed, 'ya know!

Mamma Mia stars will warble an upbeat tune or two, too.

Yup, quite a few in-the-closet dancing Queens in the audience in at the Kodak, will be tapping a foot or two when the musical hits ratchet up the night's festivities.

Who knows, maybe Pierce Bronson will toss in the Bond tuxedo image and squeeze into spandex pants and silk shirt, and twirl a tad with Meryl Streep in the wings.

One thing is for sure, though.

A well-trained actor or two will get all tongue-tied on stage come acceptance-speech time (and summarily make a fool of his-self) and jokes that writers half-expected to gag viewers will undoubtedly fall flat as Jamie Curtis' chest.

But, if die-hard Academy Awards fans are lucky - there may be a wardrobe malfunction or two - to keep the gossip-mills generating hot air balloons around the blogosphere for months on end.

Even so, at the end of the no-tinsel-unturned 3 1/2 hour show, Oscar devotees will be switching off their flat wide-screen high-definition sets, and wondering aloud.

Is that all there is?

'Til next year, anyhoo!

Hugh babe, ready for 'ya!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Oscar Nominations...few surprises! Nods to Button, Milk & Slumdog. Eastwood shut out, though...

There were few surprises when the Oscar nominees were announced bright and early this morning as the Nation struggled to survive an Obama hang-over from the night before.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" garnered 13 nominations - some worthy - others not.

If you recall, "Benjamin Button" snapped up a gaggle of nods at the Golden Globes Awards, but walked away empty-handed at the end of the glamorous day.

There was at least one oversight in the Oscar run, though.

Clint Eastwood failed to nab any respect from the Academy for his acting chops in the newly-released drama, Gran Torino.

Pity that; after all, the down-to-earth actor's actor was deserving of a nomination.

Gran Torino represents a crowning achievement in acting after at least fifty fruitful years in the business.
(review to follow)

Speaking of male leads, nominees for Best Actor are Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Sean Penn (Milk), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), and Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button).

Actresses nominted lead roles include Kate Winslet for a star-turn in "The Reader", fifteen-time nominee Meryl Streep for a stint in "Doubt", Ann Hathaway for her potrayal of an addict struggling with addiction in "Rachel Getting Married", Angelina Jolie as a distraught mother urging corrupt police to locate her missing boy in "The Changeling", and Melissa Leo as a desperate woman in "Frozen River".

The Academy is pinning their hopes on Hugh Jackman - sexist man of-the-hour - to inject new life into the Oscar celebration which is slated for broadcast next month on February 22nd at ground zero - the Kodak Theatre - in Hollywood, California.



Oscar Nominations

Best Picture

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Frost/Nixon'

'Milk'

'The Reader'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Director

Danny Boyle, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Stephen Daldry, 'The Reader'

David Fincher, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Ron Howard, 'Frost/Nixon'

Gus Van Sant, 'Milk'

Best Actor

Richard Jenkins, 'The Visitor'

Frank Langella, 'Frost/Nixon'

Sean Penn, 'Milk'

Brad Pitt, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Mickey Rourke, 'The Wrestler'

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway, 'Rachel Getting Married'

Angelina Jolie, 'Changeling'

Melissa Leo, 'Frozen River'

Meryl Streep, 'Doubt'

Kate Winslet, 'The Reader'

Best Supporting Actor

Josh Brolin, 'Milk'

Robert Downey Jr., 'Tropic Thunder'

Philip Seymour Hoffman, 'Doubt'

Heath Ledger, 'The Dark Knight'

Michael Shannon, ' Revolutionary Road'

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, 'Doubt'

Penelope Cruz, 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'

Viola Davis, 'Doubt'

Taraji P. Henson, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Marisa Tomei, 'The Wrestler'

Best Animated Feature Film

'Bolt'

'Kung Fu Panda'

'Wall-E'

Best Foreign Film

'The Baader Meinhof Complex' (Germany)

'The class' (France)

'Departures'(Japan)

'Revanche' (Austria)

'Waltz With Bashir' (Israel)

Best Original Screenplay

Dustin Lance Black, 'Milk'

Courtney Hunt, 'Frozen River'

Mike Leigh, 'Happy-Go-Lucky'

Martin McDonagh, 'In Bruges'

Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pete Docter, 'WALL-E'

Best Adapted Screenplay

Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

John Patrick Shanley, 'Doubt'

Peter Morgan, 'Frost/Nixon'

David Hare, 'The Reader'

Simon Beaufoy, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Documentary Feature

'The Betrayal'

'Encounters at the End of the World'

'The Garden'

'Man on Wire'

'Trouble the Water'

Best Original Score

'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

'Defiance'

'Milk'

'Slumdog Millionaire'

'WALL-E'

Best Original Song

'Down to Earth,' WALL-E

'Jai Ho,' 'Slumdog Millionaire'

'O Saya,' 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Film Editing

Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Lee Smith, 'The Dark Knight'

Mike Hill, Dan Hanley, 'Frost/Nixon'

Elliot Graham, 'Milk'

Chris Dickens, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Documentary (Short Subject)

'The Conscience of Nhem En,' Steven Okazaki

'The Final Inch,' Irene Taylor Brodsky, Tom Grant

'Smile Pinki,' Megan Mylan

'The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306,' Adam Pertofsky, Margaret Hyde

Best Cinematography

Tom Stern, 'Changeling'

Claudio Miranda, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Wally Pfister, 'The Dark Knight'

Chris Menges, Roger Deakins, 'The Reader'

Anthony Dod Mantle, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Best Costume Design

Catherine Martin, 'Australia'

Jacqueline West, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Michael O'Connor, 'The Duchess'

Danny Glicker, 'Milk'

Albert Wolsky, 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Sound Mixing

David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce, Mark Weingarten, 'Benjamin Button'

Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, Ed Novick, 'The Dark Knight'

Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Resul Pookutty, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Tom Myers, Michael Semanick, Ben Burtt, 'WALL-E'

Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño, Petr Forejt, 'Wanted'

Best Sound Editing

Richard King, 'The Dark Knight'

Frank Eulner, Christopher Boyes, 'Iron Man'

Tom Sayers, 'Slumdog Millionaire'

Ben Burtt, Matthew Wood, 'WALL-E'

Wylie Stateman, 'Wanted'

Best Live Action Short Film

'Auf der Strecke (On the Line),' Reto Caffi

'Manon on the Asphalt,' Elizabeth Marre, Olivier Pont

'New Boy,' Steph Green, Tamara Anghie

'The Pig,' Tivi Magnusson, Dorte Høgh

'Spielzeugland (Toyland),' Jochen Alexander Freydank

Best Animated Short Film

'La Maison de Petits Cubes,' Kunio Kato

'Lavatory - Lovestory,' Konstantin Bronzit

'Oktapodi,' Emud Mokhberi, Thierry Marchand

'Presto,' Doug Sweetland

'This Way Up,' Alan Smith, Adam Foulkes

Best Makeup

Greg Cannom, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

John Caglione, Jr., Conor O'Sullivan, 'The Dark Knight'

Mike Elizalde, Thom Flout, 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army'

Best Art Direction

James J. Murakami, Gary Fettis, 'Changeling'

Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Nathan Crowley, Peter Lando, 'The Dark Knight'

Michael Carlin, Rebecca Alleway, 'The Duchess'

Kristi Zea, Debra Schutt, 'Revolutionary Road'

Best Visual Effects

Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton, Craig Barron, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'

Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber, Paul Franklin, 'The Dark Knight'

John Nelson, Ben

http://www.julianayrs.com

Oscar...ballots in hands of carriers & being delivered today!

Just as I turned the key in my mailbox and swung the little door open to check for mail, a few feet away - inside the sorting room - I overheard a reassuring announcement from a Supervisor at the West Hollywood Post Office.

"Listen up! For security reasons, I shall be personally turning over these Oscar Ballots in my hand to carriers who have recipients on their route . Please ensure that the envelopes are delivered today, if possible."

Ah, one of the benefits of renting a post office box.

If a box-holder is alert - and keen on eavesdropping - occasionally there is a bit of worthwhile scuttlebutt to lap up.

So, Academy Members, in the event you were in the dark about the ballots - take note that the precious little suckers are not only secure - but are being hand-delivered today for your immediate up-close perusal (provided you're at home to hear the knock on the door).

Will Milk get an Oscar nod or two?

The Envelope please!

Hugh Jackman...only reason to catch Australia! Virile screen presence...

At the ticket window I was informed by Theatre staff that there was a problem with a reel for the "Changeling".

For this reason, I would have to forgo on warming up to sensuous Angelina Jolie in Eastwood's new flick until the second dinner-time screening, or take in another flick.

Drats!

I found myself trundling into "Australia" which stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

Shortly after the celluloid sprang to life on the silver screen, I was tempted to slip out the back door for a quick exit.

The opening scenes were so God-awful!

A little voice inside whispered in my ear. It was a "patch job".

I expect those sequences were conjured up later to rustle up some - um - whimsy to the project after the producers reckoned they had a stinker on their hands.

Initially, I expect studio brass envisioned "Australia" a big sprawling saga.

What they ended up with was a vast rambling mess!

In fact, the big-budget feature is a twisted Hollywood hybrid, if anything.

The slow-starter is a romantic comedy cum passionate love story cum drama that just keeps coming without any energizer bunny to perk it up in any capacity along the bumpy way.

Thought the fiasco would never end.

When Ms. Kidman strode into the landscape - all spit and fire - I was inclined to hold on for a scene or two.

Just maybe, Cruise's former ex could turn the disaster around, eh?

As I twisted and turned in my seat uncomfotably - suddenly, without warning - the film sparked to life when Jackman (a strapping big dude) finally graced the screen.

What an entrance - albeit a "backwards" one - it was!

A shot from behind at dusk caught Jackman's rough 'n tumble character half naked from the waist up - boasting a surge of rippling muscles that caught the seductive light - and caused the audience to literally gasp.

Now, "Australia" charged full steam ahead.

For many, larger-than-life Jackman was good enough reason to hang on to the predictable end.

For the most part, the producers capitalized on his virile manly presence.

Jackman's character exuded a captivating macho swagger - delivered up in tight jeans and ubiquitous bulging crotch - and a jutting jaw that wouldn't stop.

Sexiest man alive? You betcha.

About two-thirds of the way through an emotional tug-of-war with Kidman (the Boss lady) - suddenly a transformation took place - which caused me to bolt upright in my seat.

When a few tender moments unfolded between Lady Ashley (Kidman) and Drover (Jackman) the close-ups said it all.

"Jackman may be the next Gregory Peck or Clark Cable," I uttered to myself in the dark.

Forget about the wolfman roles, Hugh.

Undoubtedly, there are loftier climbs ahead!

Hugh Jackman...sexiest man alive! Star photo montage...