Free Republic

Emmy-winning actor Alec Baldwin's defenders blamed his ex, Kim Basinger, for ramping up the drama after an early morning 911 call by his daughter resulted in the "30 Rock" star being rushed to a Manhattan hospital. "This is another example of Kim's sickness," a buddy of Baldwin's told The Daily News. "Alec came back from the hospital and there were cameras outside his house at 2 a.m. Gee, I wonder how they found out?" Basinger, the buddy said, is jealous that Baldwin is co-hosting the Academy Awards next month and is using their daughter, Ireland, to rain on his parade....

Ebert's Oscar predictions Oscar's in the driver's seat BY ROGER EBERT / In a year when the Academy Award nominations are more diverse and international than ever before, it's anyone's guess who will win best picture. "Dreamgirls" garnered more nominations than any other movie, but was passed over for both picture and director. But there are four categories that can be predicted with certainty -- best actress: Helen Mirren; supporting actress: Jennifer Hudson; best actor: Forest Whitaker, and supporting actor: Eddie Murphy. They have won almost every award, including the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Golden Globes. If any...

Al Gore's movie on climate change is likely to win an Oscar for best documentary on Sunday even though it arguably violates the Academy's own criteria and should be disqualified, critics say. But, they argue, the way in which the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has handled the issue in the past shows a clear political bias. Documentaries that distort reality and shade the truth are insulated from criticism so long as they advance left-wing causes like global warming and gun control, said independent filmmaker Dan Gifford, a former Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner. According to the...