Dracula Was the Original Thug
Vampire movies and TV shows are the rage nowadays—perhaps because their heroes are attractive, tormented, and misunderstood, which is how many young viewers see themselves. But the original Dracula was not quite so attractive. In fact, he was the very model of a thug.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Why Do News Networks Send Reporters Into Dangerous Hurricanes?
Why Do News Networks Send Reporters Into Dangerous Hurricanes?
"This is our Super Bowl," CNN's Chad Myers said. "We have people that will be in the way of this storm, and people will probably get hurt."
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"This is our Super Bowl," CNN's Chad Myers said. "We have people that will be in the way of this storm, and people will probably get hurt."
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Korean directors go Hollywood
Korean directors go Hollywood
Acclaimed filmmakers Park Chan-wook, Kim Jee-woon, and Bong Joon-ho prep U.S. debuts; get the scoop
Acclaimed filmmakers Park Chan-wook, Kim Jee-woon, and Bong Joon-ho prep U.S. debuts; get the scoop
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Foreign Box Office: 'Skyfall' Blasts Off Overseas With Massive $77.7 Million
Foreign Box Office: 'Skyfall' Blasts Off Overseas With Massive $77.7 Million
The 23rd installment in the James Bond series is looking like a worldwide juggernaut and could be the biggest in the series; sets attendance records in the U.K.
10 Torturous Horror Films You Should Suffer Through
Pure Anguish: 10 Torturous Horror Films You Should Suffer Through
The shriek freaks at Fangoria slice and dice the most overlooked torture films in history (so you don't have to).
The shriek freaks at Fangoria slice and dice the most overlooked torture films in history (so you don't have to).
Comedy Showrunner Alan Kirschenbaum Dies at 51
Comedy Showrunner Alan Kirschenbaum Dies at 51
The comedy veteran co-created the CBS sitcom "Yes Dear," and the upcoming mid-season comedy "Friend Me."
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The comedy veteran co-created the CBS sitcom "Yes Dear," and the upcoming mid-season comedy "Friend Me."
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‘Wreck-It Ralph’: Disney animators zip around in video game realms
It was when he cast Bowser, the fire-breathing turtle from Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. games, that Rich Moore first grasped the magnitude of the job he was undertaking. “That was the huge one,” he said at Walt Disney Studios’ Burbank headquarters earlier this month. “That’s the moment where it felt like, ‘Oh, my God, I’m working with Olivier.’”
[ read more. ]
Friday, October 26, 2012
When Google's Cloud Goes Down
When Google's Cloud Goes Down
A problem with the Google App Engine that has impacted several popular services has led to outage outrage, reports said on Friday.
A problem with the Google App Engine that has impacted several popular services has led to outage outrage, reports said on Friday.
Director Of "Brave" Tells Her Own "Binders Full Of Women" Story
Director Of "Brave" Tells Her Own "Binders Full Of Women" Story
Before Brenda Chapman went on to direct "The Prince of Egypt" and "Brave," she was a CalArts grad looking for a job. At that time, she came face-to-face with the executive at Disney Animation in 1987, who hired her with those magic words every woman wants to hear from a potential employer.
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Before Brenda Chapman went on to direct "The Prince of Egypt" and "Brave," she was a CalArts grad looking for a job. At that time, she came face-to-face with the executive at Disney Animation in 1987, who hired her with those magic words every woman wants to hear from a potential employer.
[ more › ]
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Ill-Fated Bob Hope-Katharine Hepburn Comedy, Gone for Four Decades, Returns
Ill-Fated Bob Hope-Katharine Hepburn Comedy, Gone for Four Decades, Returns
'The Iron Petticoat,' which featured a feud that played out in The Hollywood Reporter, will air on Turner Classic Movies next month.
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'The Iron Petticoat,' which featured a feud that played out in The Hollywood Reporter, will air on Turner Classic Movies next month.
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Elizabeth Taylor Is Top-Earning Dead Celebrity At $210 Million
Elizabeth Taylor Is Top-Earning Dead Celebrity At $210 Million
Even the liveliest of celebrities are no matches for late BFFs Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor, who both outearned all living artists last year with jaw-dropping posthumous incomes.
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Even the liveliest of celebrities are no matches for late BFFs Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor, who both outearned all living artists last year with jaw-dropping posthumous incomes.
[ more › ]
Universal Studios monster movies, 1923-1955
Film: Primer: A guide to the Universal Studios monster movies, 1923-1955
Universal Monsters 101
In the 1920s, Universal Studios enjoyed some of its greatest successes with movies featuring monsters, murder, and the macabre; but it was nothing like what happened in the ’30s, when Universal produced a string of horror pictures that were international hits and helped codify how some perennially popular monsters should look, sound, and behave. Take Tod Browning’s 1931 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula: There had been film and stage adaptations of Dracula before (including F.W. Murnau’s unauthorized 1922 classic Nosferatu). But just as Stoker’s book synthesized several existing stories and pieces of historical folklore, the Carl Laemmle Jr.-produced movie Dracula took from the best of the 1927 Broadway play and the earlier films, with cameraman Karl Freund (who according to some reports directed much of the movie when Browning grew bored) using expressionistic effects to highlight the monster’s ...
Read more
Universal Monsters 101
In the 1920s, Universal Studios enjoyed some of its greatest successes with movies featuring monsters, murder, and the macabre; but it was nothing like what happened in the ’30s, when Universal produced a string of horror pictures that were international hits and helped codify how some perennially popular monsters should look, sound, and behave. Take Tod Browning’s 1931 adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula: There had been film and stage adaptations of Dracula before (including F.W. Murnau’s unauthorized 1922 classic Nosferatu). But just as Stoker’s book synthesized several existing stories and pieces of historical folklore, the Carl Laemmle Jr.-produced movie Dracula took from the best of the 1927 Broadway play and the earlier films, with cameraman Karl Freund (who according to some reports directed much of the movie when Browning grew bored) using expressionistic effects to highlight the monster’s ...
Read more
Microsoft Expands $99 Xbox 360 Offering, Launches Xbox SmartGlass
Microsoft Expands $99 Xbox 360 Offering, Launches Xbox SmartGlass
Major retailers will sell Xbox 360 consoles for $99 with the purchase of a two year subscription of Xbox Live Gold
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Major retailers will sell Xbox 360 consoles for $99 with the purchase of a two year subscription of Xbox Live Gold
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Academy Awards Nicholl Fellowships to Five Writers
Academy Awards Nicholl Fellowships to Five Writers
The prizes, worth $35,000 each, will be awarded at a dinner Nov. 8 in Beverly Hills.
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The prizes, worth $35,000 each, will be awarded at a dinner Nov. 8 in Beverly Hills.
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Zynga Lays Off Five Percent, Kills 'The Ville'
Zynga Lays Off Five Percent, Kills 'The Ville'
The troubled social games publisher also closes its Boston studio, ends development on 13 games.
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The troubled social games publisher also closes its Boston studio, ends development on 13 games.
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Lana Wachowski Reveals Suicide Plan, Painful Past in Emotional Speech
Lana Wachowski Reveals Suicide Plan, Painful Past in Emotional Speech (Exclusive Video)
The "Cloud Atlas" co-director stuns and moves the crowd at HRC's annual gala dinner with a courageous 25-minute talk.
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The "Cloud Atlas" co-director stuns and moves the crowd at HRC's annual gala dinner with a courageous 25-minute talk.
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Zynga Cutting 5% of Workforce, Shutting Down 13 Games
Zynga Cutting 5% of Workforce, Shutting Down 13 Games
Zynga reportedly laid off 150 staff in Austin and Boston.
Zynga reportedly laid off 150 staff in Austin and Boston.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tony Scott Suicide: Coroner Issues Final Report
Tony Scott Suicide: Coroner Issues Final Report
At long last, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has released their official findings in the autopsy of director Tony Scott, who jumped to his death in August from the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
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At long last, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has released their official findings in the autopsy of director Tony Scott, who jumped to his death in August from the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
[ more › ]
The 10 Best Horror Comedies of All Time
Die Laughing: The 10 Best Horror Comedies of All Time
Every now and then a movie brings just the right mix of screams and laughter. The gore experts at Fangoria reveal their all-time favorites in this often-overlooked cinematic subgenre.
Every now and then a movie brings just the right mix of screams and laughter. The gore experts at Fangoria reveal their all-time favorites in this often-overlooked cinematic subgenre.
AMC and Dish are finally done arguing
AMC and Dish are finally done arguing
After several bitter months, AMC and Dish have settled their lengthy legal battle and war of passive-aggressive words, ending their carriage dispute before AMC was forced to issue any more gloating, “Not Available On Dish” ads over episodes of The Walking Dead. In fact, Dish agreed to settle shortly after that show posted its latest record-breaking numbers—seemingly disproving the provider’s original complaints that AMC didn’t provide enough viewers to justify its renewal fees, which was definitely the real problem and certainly not all the “separate matter” that AMC and Dish were also involved in a nasty lawsuit over Dish dropping VOOM networks and then destroying evidence.
As part of that totally coincidental, separate and unrelated incident, the new carriage agreement announcement came right as the lawsuit was settled, with Dish forking over $700 million, and also agreeing to a new multiyear deal for AMC, as well as ...
Read more
After several bitter months, AMC and Dish have settled their lengthy legal battle and war of passive-aggressive words, ending their carriage dispute before AMC was forced to issue any more gloating, “Not Available On Dish” ads over episodes of The Walking Dead. In fact, Dish agreed to settle shortly after that show posted its latest record-breaking numbers—seemingly disproving the provider’s original complaints that AMC didn’t provide enough viewers to justify its renewal fees, which was definitely the real problem and certainly not all the “separate matter” that AMC and Dish were also involved in a nasty lawsuit over Dish dropping VOOM networks and then destroying evidence.
As part of that totally coincidental, separate and unrelated incident, the new carriage agreement announcement came right as the lawsuit was settled, with Dish forking over $700 million, and also agreeing to a new multiyear deal for AMC, as well as ...
Read more
Friday, October 19, 2012
The 10 best films of the 1890s
Film: Best of: The 10 best films of the 1890s
Last week, The A.V. Club took a look at the best films of the 1990s (a look that proved unexpectedly controversial). As a lark, we started talking about a companion list covering the best films of the 1890s. But the more we talked about it, the more it seemed like a good idea to turn back the clock to the very beginnings of film. We selected 10 films we found artistically compelling and historically significant. And because they’re all in the public domain, available on YouTube, and short, you can easily watch them in their entirety as you read along.
1. “Workers Leaving The Lumière Factory In Lyon” (1895)Moving pictures of various sorts predate the efforts of Auguste and Louis Lumìere, but what we call movies—motion pictures that could be projected before an audience—effectively begins with their Cinématographe Lumière. The Lum ...
Read more
Last week, The A.V. Club took a look at the best films of the 1990s (a look that proved unexpectedly controversial). As a lark, we started talking about a companion list covering the best films of the 1890s. But the more we talked about it, the more it seemed like a good idea to turn back the clock to the very beginnings of film. We selected 10 films we found artistically compelling and historically significant. And because they’re all in the public domain, available on YouTube, and short, you can easily watch them in their entirety as you read along.
1. “Workers Leaving The Lumière Factory In Lyon” (1895)Moving pictures of various sorts predate the efforts of Auguste and Louis Lumìere, but what we call movies—motion pictures that could be projected before an audience—effectively begins with their Cinématographe Lumière. The Lum ...
Read more
Andy Samberg's Imminent Return to Comedy TV
Andy Samberg's Imminent Return to Comedy TV
When funnyman Andy Samberg announced he was leaving Saturday Night Live after his very memorable seven-year stint, we admittedly shed a tear but quickly regained our composure as we hoped his departure meant more songs about dicks in boxes, jizzing in one's pants and fast boats via The Lonely Island.
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When funnyman Andy Samberg announced he was leaving Saturday Night Live after his very memorable seven-year stint, we admittedly shed a tear but quickly regained our composure as we hoped his departure meant more songs about dicks in boxes, jizzing in one's pants and fast boats via The Lonely Island.
[ more › ]
Thursday, October 18, 2012
What You'll Find at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Opening in 2016
What You'll Find at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Opening in 2016
It's not expected to open until 2016, but movie lovers may want to get a little more info about what they will ultimately find at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, aka the Oscars Museum.
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It's not expected to open until 2016, but movie lovers may want to get a little more info about what they will ultimately find at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, aka the Oscars Museum.
[ more › ]
Boxee TV Brings Unlimited DVR Recording to the Cloud
Boxee TV Brings Unlimited DVR Recording to the Cloud
The ability to record a TV show and play it back later (sans commercials) has changed the way we watch television. But, all those unwatched episodes of Doctor Who eat up precious storage and eventually, you have to either watch the show. Or delete an episode. The previously-leaked Boxee TV aims to eliminate the "Sophie's Choice" of media consumption.
The ability to record a TV show and play it back later (sans commercials) has changed the way we watch television. But, all those unwatched episodes of Doctor Who eat up precious storage and eventually, you have to either watch the show. Or delete an episode. The previously-leaked Boxee TV aims to eliminate the "Sophie's Choice" of media consumption.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
How Videogames Are Changing Disney
How Videogames Are Changing Disney
Swampy the Alligator is just one of the ways that Disney's stable of popular and lucrative characters is being shaped and changed by videogames. And he's not even the most obvious.
Swampy the Alligator is just one of the ways that Disney's stable of popular and lucrative characters is being shaped and changed by videogames. And he's not even the most obvious.
Dustin Hoffman Breaks Down While Recounting His Past Movie Choices
Dustin Hoffman Breaks Down While Recounting His Past Movie Choices
The two-time Oscar winner was emotional during an onstage discussion for BAFTA's Life in Pictures event that centered on his film career.
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The two-time Oscar winner was emotional during an onstage discussion for BAFTA's Life in Pictures event that centered on his film career.
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'Horror Films Are the Bastard Sons of Hollywood'
Composer Christopher Young: 'Horror Films Are the Bastard Sons of Hollywood' (Q&A)
The veteran composer discusses his creepy score for the hit thriller "Sinister," why he keeps returning to the horror genre and how he finds inspiration in Jack o'lanterns.
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The veteran composer discusses his creepy score for the hit thriller "Sinister," why he keeps returning to the horror genre and how he finds inspiration in Jack o'lanterns.
read more
'E.T.' Audition: Watch Elliott's 1980s Role-Winning 'E.T.' Audition
Video: Watch Elliott's 1980s Role-Winning 'E.T.' Audition
In case you haven't been keeping abreast of your Spielberg trivia, October 3 marked the 30th anniversary of 1982's beloved "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." To celebrate the classic adventure, we bring you the adorable video of Henry Thomas' audition for the role of Elliott (to only be said in E.T. voice), which he obviously nailed.
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In case you haven't been keeping abreast of your Spielberg trivia, October 3 marked the 30th anniversary of 1982's beloved "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." To celebrate the classic adventure, we bring you the adorable video of Henry Thomas' audition for the role of Elliott (to only be said in E.T. voice), which he obviously nailed.
[ more › ]
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Bruce Campbell Promises Evil Dead Reboot Won't 'Screw You Over'
Bruce Campbell Promises <em>Evil Dead</em> Reboot Won't 'Screw You Over'
The original Ash knows some fans aren't excited about the forthcoming remake of the horror-comedy classic. But he says the new movie will deliver the goods.
The original Ash knows some fans aren't excited about the forthcoming remake of the horror-comedy classic. But he says the new movie will deliver the goods.
Microsoft Unveils Xbox Music to Compete With Apple's iTunes
Microsoft Unveils Xbox Music to Compete With Apple's iTunes
The new service will replace Zune on the Xbox 360 console Tuesday, followed by a launch on PCs, slates and Surface devices 10 days later.
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The new service will replace Zune on the Xbox 360 console Tuesday, followed by a launch on PCs, slates and Surface devices 10 days later.
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Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Host 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Host 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards
It's a beautiful moment for the arts: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have signed on to host the 70th Annual Golden Globes together in January of 2013. According to an announcement made last night by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Fey and Poehler will team up at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for a live broadcast on Sunday, January 13 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (PST).
[ more › ]
It's a beautiful moment for the arts: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have signed on to host the 70th Annual Golden Globes together in January of 2013. According to an announcement made last night by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Fey and Poehler will team up at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for a live broadcast on Sunday, January 13 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (PST).
[ more › ]
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Horror Watch: 16 Spooky Movie Choices for Halloween at Home
Horror Watch: 16 Spooky Movie Choices for Halloween at Home
Heat Vision's roundup of horror films on home video, from "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" to "The Chernobyl Diaries" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter."
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Heat Vision's roundup of horror films on home video, from "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" to "The Chernobyl Diaries" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter."
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Friday, October 12, 2012
R.L. Stine: Giving 11-Year-Olds Nightmares Since 1992
R.L. Stine’s fiendishly popular children’s series arrived in 1992, with Welcome to Dead House. By 1997, Stine had produced 93 of the kiddie horror books, to be followed by scores more in relaunches like Goosebumps 2000, Goosebumps HorrorLand, and Goosebumps Most Wanted.
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Meet the Boys of Frankenweenie
Meet the Boys of <cite>Frankenweenie</cite>
Frankenweenie features young actors in key roles. Charlie Tahan plays Victor Frankenstein, Robert Capron plays Bob, with Atticus Shaffer as Edgar "E" Gore. I had the opportunity to meet these young men and discuss the movie and their careers.
Frankenweenie features young actors in key roles. Charlie Tahan plays Victor Frankenstein, Robert Capron plays Bob, with Atticus Shaffer as Edgar "E" Gore. I had the opportunity to meet these young men and discuss the movie and their careers.
Stop Asking if Women Are Funny
Stop Asking if Women Are Funny
The crowd at that East Village stand-up show in February of 2011 was small but the host riled them up. By the time I got on stage for my eight-minute set, the audience was loose, so I riffed a bit about the comics who’d gone before. I engaged one audience member whom the host had teased for being preppy.
The crowd at that East Village stand-up show in February of 2011 was small but the host riled them up. By the time I got on stage for my eight-minute set, the audience was loose, so I riffed a bit about the comics who’d gone before. I engaged one audience member whom the host had teased for being preppy.
Harvey Weinstein Declares War on Internet Pirates
Harvey Weinstein Declares War on Internet Pirates
The producer calls on the industry to rally and demands that any Internet company that "steals content" be shut down.
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The producer calls on the industry to rally and demands that any Internet company that "steals content" be shut down.
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Why Polaroid Was the Apple of Its Time
Why Polaroid Was the Apple of Its Time
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Genndy Tartakovsky's Hotel Transylvania Schools Hollywood on Cartoon Physics
Genndy Tartakovsky's <cite>Hotel Transylvania</cite> Schools Hollywood on Cartoon Physics
You could tell by its mixed reviews that many critics didn't know they just took a class in cartoon physics after watching director Genndy Tartakovsky's debut feature Hotel Transylvania. But the viewing public caught on right away -- audiences were so captivated by its gut-busting gags and anti-realism animation that they helped it become the highest-grossing September opening in film history. Wired talked to the director about the film's success and what it means for the future of cartoon feature films.
You could tell by its mixed reviews that many critics didn't know they just took a class in cartoon physics after watching director Genndy Tartakovsky's debut feature Hotel Transylvania. But the viewing public caught on right away -- audiences were so captivated by its gut-busting gags and anti-realism animation that they helped it become the highest-grossing September opening in film history. Wired talked to the director about the film's success and what it means for the future of cartoon feature films.
These Guys Might Actually Be Rap's Geniuses
These Guys Might Actually Be Rap's Geniuses
Startup Rap Genius just received a $15 million investment from two unlikely investors: Mark Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. But look a bit closer and you'll see that Rap Genius is right up Andreessen Horowitz's alley, and not just because Horowitz (who is a prominent member on the site) loves rap music.
Startup Rap Genius just received a $15 million investment from two unlikely investors: Mark Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. But look a bit closer and you'll see that Rap Genius is right up Andreessen Horowitz's alley, and not just because Horowitz (who is a prominent member on the site) loves rap music.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Friars Club Honoring Christopher Lloyd, Robert Vaughn and Jerry Stiller
Friars Club Honoring Christopher Lloyd, Robert Vaughn and Jerry Stiller
The trio is being singled out for its work in the new film "Excuse Me for Living."
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The trio is being singled out for its work in the new film "Excuse Me for Living."
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Seth MacFarlane to Host Oscars, Hollywood Reacts
Seth MacFarlane to Host Oscars, Hollywood Reacts
The "Family Guy" creator calls it an "overwhelming privilege" to host the event, as the rest of the industry weighs in.
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The "Family Guy" creator calls it an "overwhelming privilege" to host the event, as the rest of the industry weighs in.
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