The Envelope In Print: The Acting Issue (Dec. 6)

December 6, 2006

ACADEMY AWARDS

Drama king

Leonardo DiCaprio is so prominent in the season's top films that his fingerprints are even on "The Good Shepherd," in which he doesn't appear.

December 6, 2006

THE CORNER OFFICE

Scorsese's money man

Graham King is the kind of producer Hollywood likes, in part because he's good at raising money.

December 6, 2006

BIG PICTURE EXTRA

Sour notes on stage

If you've ever watched an Oscar telecast, you know that nothing is quite so cringe-inducing as the musical numbers that punctuate the show, numbers that end up trying too hard to be either flamboyant or hip, often falling short on both counts.

December 6, 2006

CONTENDER Q & A

Talking with: Ben Affleck

The Ben Affleck of the "Bennifer" headlines is long gone; the Ben Affleck who made "Gigli" and "Jersey Girl" is just a faint memory. Now, the Ben Affleck who won an Oscar for co-writing 1997's "Good Will Hunting" is back.

December 6, 2006

ACADEMY AWARDS

Minority report

The world is opening up, and it's taking Hollywood with it. Almost a year after the racially tinged "Crash" scored a best picture upset at the Academy Awards, deep explorations of nonwhite cultures have dominated the silver screen as have a number of ethnic performers who have delivered penetrating, emotional portrayals.

December 6, 2006

FASHION

Anti-glitz blitz

Will this be the season Hollywood decides to ditch the bling? Thanks to Edward Zwick's new film, "Blood Diamond," there's an alternative from the activist jewelry department: a red rubber "Blood Diamond/Clean Diamond" bracelet from Amnesty International and Global Witness.

December 6, 2006

ACADEMY AWARDS

Borat's last laugh

"Borat" has earned nearly $200 million worldwide, been served with at least five lawsuits and is credited with one celebrity divorce (Kid Rock was reportedly unhappy with wife Pamela Anderson's portrayal in the movie.).