The documentary world has been abuzz this week with the news that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is changing its Oscar rule yet again for the long-vexed documentary feature category. To be eligible for a Best Documentary Oscar, movies now must be reviewed by either the New York Times or the Los Angeles Times during a qualifying theatrical run of at least one week in both cities. In addition, the academy will send DVD screeners or stream films online for documentary branch members four times a year, rather than require that they see the films in theaters, as has been the case in the past. A short­ list of eligible films and the final five nominees will be voted on by the entire branch of 166 documentary filmmakers, rather than by selection committees. Read full article > >

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New Oscar documentary rules stir outcry (and some cheers)

Billy Crystal is replacing Eddie Murphy as host of ABC’s Feb. 26 Academy Awards broadcast. The eight-time Oscars host was tapped Thursday to take over for Murphy by Brian Grazer — the movie mogul who was tapped a day earlier to produce the 2012 Oscarcast, replacing Brett Ratner. Yes, that is, in fact, a double accidental upgrade — in just 24 hours. Way to go, motion picture academy! Read full article > >

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Billy Crystal replaces Eddie Murphy as Oscars host

Billy Crystal is replacing Eddie Murphy as host of ABC’s Feb 26 Academy Awards broadcast. The eight-time Oscar host was tapped to take over for first-timer Eddie Murphy, by Brian Grazer, the movie mogul who was tapped to produce this year’s Oscarcast , replacing Brett Ratner. Yes, that is, in fact, a double accidental upgrade – in just 24 hours. Way to go motion picture academy! Read full article > >

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Billy Crystal to host Oscars, replace Eddie Murphy

Unemployment might be at 9 percent, but Chris Dodd already has a new job just two months after leaving the Senate. The Connecticut Democrat will serve as chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, which hopes his 36 years in…

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Chris Dodd to Head MPAA

Actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway will co-host the 2011 Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces.

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Oscar job for Franco and Hathaway

The Academy of Motion Picture and Sciences is going for a younger look with the hosts for the 83rd annual Oscar Awards. Anne Hathaway and James Franco have signed on to emcee the biggest night in film on Feb. 27, according to Deadline.com. Both actors…

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Hathaway and Franco to Host Oscars