65th Annual Tony Awards...Neil Patrick Harris hosts! Chris Rock, Alec Baldwin & Steve Colbert guest!

Acting hopefuls are skillfully preparing their acceptance speeches to ensure a rude musical burp doesn't strike up from the orchestra pit and humiliate 'em, the red carpet has been steam-cleaned and readied to roll out on a bustling New York Street, and a gang of celebrated presenters are waiting in-the-wings and at-the-ready to trot out on stage and wow their adoring fans (and all the little people) below the footlights.

Of course, charismatic Neil Patrick Harris is tweaking his tux right about now (and tweeting his avid followers), as he prepares to saunter into the glare of the spotlight and host the 65th annual Tony Awards once again!

Expect the unexpected!

With the likes of - Chris Rock, Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams slated to utter up their particular brand of humor live tonight to a packed house - anything goes (and probably will!).

Uh-huh!

There will probably be a "Weiner" weener joke or ten, for starters.

They're cheaper by the dozen, I understand.

No doubt, aging Lothario - Alec Baldwin - will be prompted to tease the audience about his run for Mayor of the "Big Apple" on the heels of the Weinergate scandal!

Tin Pan Alley will never be the same, just betcha!

The "Spiderman" production will probably rustle up a poke or two from the rank-and-file in attendance, too.

Oh, what a web those Broadway producers weave in the same of show biz!

Personally, I've be keeping an eye-out for all the fashion disasters sure to parade their way out onto the celebrated stage before you can quip "Nicole Kidman" (courtesy of the Country Music Awards).

There'll be quite a bit of spit and polish in evidence, though.

After all, the Tony Awards are always a class act, all the way.

A handful of the nominees this year include seasoned pro Al Pacino (Best Actor / Merchant of Venice); Patti LuPone (Best Performance in a featured role in a Musical); Joel Grey & George C. Wolf (Best Play Direction); How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Best Musical Revival).

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

AFI Festival...calling for Film Submissions. Filmmaker requirements & due dates...

Probably one of the most prestigious Festivals to hit the circuit during the course of each year is the one hosted by the American Film Institute (AFI).

Actually, AFI organizes two fests each year.

One, which I covered a few weeks ago, was held in Dallas; the other, in our own thriving metropolis (Los Angeles).

AFI not only endeavours to unveil first-run big-budget feature films at each fest, but also, an eclectic mix of thought-provoking shorts, documentaries, and Foreign Language celluloid masterpieces.

In addition, organizers round out the screenings with stimulating seminars, insightful Q & A sessions, you name it.

And, the AFI's high-profile red carpet events, are not to be missed either!

By the way, my contacts at AFI just informed me that there is a call out now for filmmakers to submit their projects for consideration for the fall line-up (2009).

Submission Guidelines

Films that are 30 minutes or longer in length are considered feature films, while projects under 30 minutes are deemed "shorts".

Feature films (both narrative & documentary) that have previously screened for the public in Los Angeles or have been televised in the Los Angeles area are not eligible for consideration.

DVDs are accepted for preview screening.

However, preview video-cassettes and DVDs must be labeled clearly with the title, running time and contact information (including name, address and phone number).

More than one entry may be submitted. But, each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form and entry fee.

If a film is selected for inclusion in this year's fest, filmmakers will be asked to provide a head shot and filmography of the director; black & white and/or color stills from the film; press materials; and a video trailer (if available).

The entry fee is non-refundable.

AFI Conservatory Students

Students enrolled in the AFI film school can request a fee waiver by contacting AFI:

programming@afi.com.

(No waivers available at this time)

DVDs & Submitted Materials

DVDs and other submitted materials will not be returned.

In view of this, it may be wise not to submit film prints, master tapes or other originals.

Confirmation

Filmmakers seeking a confirmation that an entry has been received by the AFI FEST organizers, should include a self-addressed stamped postcard to facilitate the request.

Film Entries

AFI FEST asserts the right to use footage, stills and/or titles and information for promotional purposes.

In view of the aforementioned entry stipulation, all films must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition with appropriate individuals.

Deadline

Filmmakers agree to deliver prints to AFI no later than October 16, 2009.

Notification

All filmmakers will be notified of acceptance by October 9, 2009.

http://www.julianayrs.com/

AFI...Awards; Movie and TV Programs of the year! (Official Selections)

America's cultural legacy resonates around the world through movies and television.

"When placed in an historical context, these stories archive a complex, rich, visual record of our modern civilization," according to Officials at the AFI.

With this foremost in mind, the American Film Institute awards honors for excellence in the moving image arts within the context of a year in review, with the specific aim of meeting a National mandate...to create an annual almanac that records and preserves the evolution of the moving image arts in the 21st century.

The Award-winners are as follows,

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR (OFFICIAL SELECTIONS)

*BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD
*THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
*INTO THE WILD
*JUNO
*KNOCKED UP
*MICHAEL CLAYTON
*NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
*RATATOUILLE
*THE SAVAGES
*THERE WILL BE BLOOD

AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR (OFFICIAL SELECTIONS)

*DEXTER
*EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
*FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
*LONGFORD
*MAD MEN
*PUSHING DAISIES
*THE SOPRANOS
*TELL ME YOU LOVE ME
*30 ROCK
*UGLY BETTY

By virtue of the "AWARDS" program, the AFI subsequently adds volume to the history of American film and television each year by documenting the collective opinion of the moving image communities, recognizing the year's significant moments, and honoring the individuals and creative ensembles who have created the year's outstanding achievements.

The AFI came about when President Lyndon Johnson signed legislation in the White House Rose Garden, in 1962, creating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

On that occasion, he noted,

"We will create an American Film Institute that will bring together leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue this 20th century art form as their life's work."

Today, AFI is a National Institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media.

In addition, AFI trains the next generation of filmmakers at its world-renowned Conservatory, maintains America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, and explores new digital technologies in entertainment and education through the AFI Digital Content Lab and K-12 Screen Education Center.


Dexter (TV AWARD SELECTION)