now on a special live edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold." "showbiz tonight" has the oscars covered like no one else. "real housewives star of beverly hills" with the big fashion hits and misses, "showbiz tonight" michelle turner live on the red carpet with the biggest stars,

and "showbiz tonight's" kareen wynter on the biggest oscar showdowns, including the oscar fight club. we reveal the big face-offs, brad versus george. >> reporter: what is up with the friendly competition between you and your best bud, brad pitt "money ball." >> there's nothing friendly about it. >> we'll rest tell out at the end. >> who will take home the gold? and the oscar goes to the dogs. it's the oscar showdown that's good hollywood tongues wagging. uggie from "the artist"er have suz cosmo from "beginners" who will be named best in show at the biggest show in hollywood. this special edition of "showbiz tonight: road to gold" starts right now. hello from hollywood.

i'm a.j. hammer, welcome to the special edition of "showbiz tonight: showbiz road to gold." we're live where the 84th annual academy awards will begin in a couple of hours. it is a spectacular day in southern california and there will be incredible oscar showdowns, george clooney up for best actor against pal brad pitt, meryl streep up for best actress against the incredibly talented viola davis tonight and that is just the beginning. the battles are set and we will be one on one with all of hollywood's biggest stars right there on the red carpet where michelle turner is live on the red carpet as all of the stars arrive and kareen wynter, the must see showdowns and joined by our fashion commentator lisa vanderpump, one of the stars of "the real housewives of beverly hills." terrific to see you. you look amazing by the way. >> thank you. >> you have of course your

trusty canine companion dressed to the nines tonight. going to take a little nap. lisa, we see on "the real housewives of beverly hills" you attend the glamorous parties and star-studded events but does it get more glamorous than the oscars? i would dare say this is more glamorous than a royal wedding. >> absolutely. when you go to a wedding you have to be careful not to upstage the bride. here it's every man for himself. i think it is a fashion spectator of the year. >> every man including george clooney. >> oh, don't mention george! >> i'm mentioning george because he looks pretty handsome tonight, i'm going to go out on a limb and say that. >> he looked great in his tux but in my opinion he'd look better without it. >> the red carpet is filling up not just with george but all of the biggest stars in hollywood, i want to go out there to see what's happening.

"showbiz tonight's" nichelle turner on the red carpet, the stars must speak with her before they go inside. >> reporter: filling up, a.j., this red carpet is packed already here for the 84th academy awards. with she is max von sidow for "incredibly loud." this is a phenomenal night, the pageantry of hollywood at its best. >> absolutely. >> reporter: are you excited, nervous, calm, any feelings? >> oh i'm very excited, and very calm. >> reporter: all of the above. are you ready to get this thing going? >> i hope so. i think so. i'll try anyway. >> reporter: thank you very much. congratulations and good luck. a.j., you know i have in my sight you all were just talking about mr. clooney and i tell you, as good as it looks to you guys from there it's belter up close. so hopefully we can snatch him in a couple of minutes. damon bashir is here as well, i

saw him in my sight so we have a lot of people to talk to and a little bit of time to do it. right now back to you. >> nischelle all of the stars coming to you before they're allowed to enter the theater. "showbiz tonight's" kareen wynter has been tracking epic battles, fiercer in all of the years than many years past. >> what makes it so great, best buds facing off like never before, viola davis against meryl streep. i caught viola on the carpet looking amazing in emerald green. >> not surprising. >> could be her night. meryl has won this twice before, a record number of nominations. see who wins out. one of your personal favorites, melissa mccarthy in the supporting actress race against her best bud, octavia spencer so again anyone's guess. have you seen what melissa's sporting on the carpet? >> reporter: i did.

>> she looked amazinamazing. >> and george clooney with girlfriend stacey keebler and everyone is making much about the battle between he and brad pitt, they're good friends and made a lot of movies together. the common wisdom is the battle in the best actor is not necessarily between these two but jean dujourdin -- >> he's fantastic, won in so many categories not just for best acor and "the artist" ten nominations behind "hugo" nominated for 11 so we'll have to see. i caught george on the red carpet, george stepping out with girlfriend stacey keebler. he may have an edge over brad until brad steps out. >> we're going back out to nischelle turner. >> reporter: absolutely, a.j., all of the big nominees have already arrived here. we're talking about george

clooney. i see viola dave this my sight, looking gorgeous in green. i spoke with best supporting actress melissa mccarthy, take a look at what she told me. is it excitement, euphoria? what is the feeling? >> yes, it's crazy, it's crazy on every level, like all the people here, my mom and dad and my sister are here with me tonight and they're just like looking around and to see them in the midst of all of this and then it's almost helped keep me calmer because i'm worried about them and on the drive over i'm like "oh my god i think we're going to the oscars" and to get here, wait i'm always sitting in my living room watching this. what's happening. >> reporter: is this how you dreamed it would be? >> it's fun and weirdly happy and positive and it's just great. >> reporter: what happened? >> i've never been to the oscars, i've been in this business a long time.

i've been on a long journey since september with this movie starting in telluride and it's been exhausting but then to end up here at the oscars is just, it was just, i really was caught up emotionally. it. i'm so proud of this movie and proud i'm a part of it and you know to be here at this point in my career means a lot to me. >> reporter: so right now what we're hearing is that the artist could be in the front-runner for best picture tonight but "the descendants" is nipping at the heels. they're going to bring him over to me, we want to talk to him and stacey keebler. they both look beautiful. one of the things melissa mccarthy and showed me, custom made shoes with an inscription to her, special message. now good lord, i'm about to pass -- you guys i swear you

look phenomenal. >> that's what i tried to tell people, they just don't listen to me. >> reporter: you thought i was talking to you, no -- >> that i know. >> reporter: how are you feeling tonight? >> good. >> you guys are the epitome of cool but any nerves at all, george? >> not really any nerves. i'm happy to be here. i get to see a lot of people i like and it's a fun night but not really nervous. i feel like it's a very french night in general. so i feel it's sort of relaxed. >> reporter: you think that's how it's going to turn out. >> i do, it makes it easier for us to sit back and enjoy it. >> reporter: what is a typical day at the clooney house like getting ready for the academy awards. what do you do? >> he does nothing until ten minutes before. >> yes. >> he played basketball, take a nap, ten minutes before he gets ready and up. >> you actually played ball and took a nap? >> yeah. >> reporter: you were getting ready all day? >> woke up and got ready. >> there's an army outside in the driveway. >> reporter: you had the whole

glam squad and george is like can somebody give me a comb or brush. >> he doesn't even need that. >> reporter: whatever you did, it's great. she looks phenomenal. you got to give me a head to toe. >> well i have judith leiber, mark heza and lorraine schwartz. >> reporter: i haven't seen your buddy brad pitt, you're going up against him tonight. last time we talked to you, you said he's walking around with lifts in his shoes. what do you expect? >> it looks like i'm going to need more lifts. or stand like that. stacey just hit her head on the blimp. >> reporter: she does look tall and regal. one of the things quick, they're pulling you away from me, this has to be a big special night for you. you're a double nominee, acting and writing, and i know those are both of the things that you really, really take seriously. >> the thing is you never take it for granted because you never know if you're allowed back so for me it's really fun and i really enjoy this night. >> reporter: george i think you're coming back. they'll let you back in. all right, thank you guys,

wonderful. have a good evening. george clooney and stacy keebler. she looks, wow! breathtaking, a.j., knocking me out down here. lisa is probably up there salivating at how stacey looks this evening. >> the ever humble george clooney. george, doesn't mean you can go home yet because you spoke to george. you have more stars to talk to. >> reporter: i'm done. >> "showbiz tonight's" special live red carpet coverage, "showbiz road to gold" continues in a moment with all the excitement. wi with. >> the opening thought, oh my god everyone wants oprah to play, they already have an idea who abeline is. how can i live up to those expectations to find and create a character a human being that can move people. i'm always aware of that,

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i'm a.j. hammer live at the 84th academy wards. there's a lot more excitement on the red carpet. in this is a special live edition of "showbiz tonight: road to gold." come on man, dig it! [ female announcer ] travelocity. get great deals on all kinds of beach vacations. don't our dogs deserve to eat fresher less processed foods just like we do introducing freshpet healthy recipes of fresh meat and fresh veggies so fresh the only preservative we use is the fridge freshpet fresh food for fido

welcome back to this special edition of "showbiz road to gold" the countdown is on for hollywood's biggest night, the lovely and talented star lisa vanderpump, fashion and celebrity commentator tonight along with jiggy of course, a red hot red carpet. >> so far so good. >> reporter: what is the best thing you've seen, best outfit on the best looking person? >> stacey keebler, i thought she looked like the statue,

absolutely beautiful. >> she complimented george, didn't take it away from george clooney. >> nothing can take away from joornlg:00y. you know i clooney. you know i'm biased. >> nischelle turner is standing by. >> reporter: we're waiting for brad pitt and angelina jolie. right next to me is viola davis, she debuted her short natural hairdo at the "essence" in black women in hollywood and wearing the hair on the red carpet tonight, looks like a dream. we talked to george clooney and stacey keebler and george told us he played basketball and hung out and took a nap before he came here today, very cool. is he always the epitome of cool here on the red carpet. for now back to you and hopefully we'll be able to grab viola in a couple of minutes. >> all right, thanks, nischelle,

so much energy on the red carpet as the stars are arriving. lisa, the man you're waiting for is here, we saw george clooney speak a moment ago. how can you mess up a tux? he's been said to have the best nux hollywood. >> absolutely. the bow tie is back, that was a big deal. a lot of people are wearing ties for the long tie and the bow tie is back. i'm soarry, a.j., had to put it out there. >> what about the stars you're looking forward to seeing tonight, among the women who can you -- >> i want to see viola davis. i'm looking forward to seeing her. >> we got a glimpse at her short hair which we're happy to see once again and you're a huge fan of angelina jolie. she doesn't show up everywhere. >> she doesn't come out often but when she does wow, she knocks it out of the park so excited to see her and after seeing her at the golden globes she'll bring it on tonight. >> you are getting ready for a night like tonight and you go to glamorous events as we see on

"the real housewives of beverly hills" how do you know? when you've laid out the outfits and say that's the one? >> i'm not that organized. i are unin last minute and say give me the best you've got. i'm wearing mark zenino, my go-to person, thanksfully we something perfect for me. >> do you feel immense pressure? do others have great confidence? >> i think tonight nominated for an oscar is pressure. >> keep watching the stars, pay attention to what they're wearing. we'll be back in a moment as the countdown to the oscars winds down. you're watching "showbiz road to gold." >> i always wanted to be doing comedies and dramas and mixing it up and what an opportunity to show what i can do as a dramatic

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welcome back to the live edition of "showbiz road to gold." i'm a.j. hammer, but i'm going to send it back out to michelle turner, who is on the red carpet with a woman i expect to be walking home with oscar gold tonight. you can tell her i said so, michelle. >> i feel like i'm in the same spot. >> we just came back live here. we're live on cnn worldwide now. so one of the things that you have just debuted this phenomenal look tonight. you have to give me head to toe. i told her a minute ago. i love that you're wearing the natural. >> thank you. my husband encouraged me.

and i think it was time to step into who i was and to be bold about it. i don't think that when you tell people or show people what you are that you need to do it with a whimper. >> she's not making a statement. she's who she is. it's who she is. >> was it hard though? you always look so glamorous. was it it hard to just take it off? >> it was, but i have to tell you, it was not as hard as i thought it would be. so therefore, i think it was time. that's why. it was just time. >> who is the dress by? you are wearing it. >> vera wang. >> and it's adorable. they are going to take you away. can give me what this means to be here at this moment for you this evening. >> it's a huge sense of accomplishment. i feel like my mother's story, my grandmother's story has come to a forefront.

i feel like by promoting this movie, i've grown. it's a huge turning point in my life. it could not be sweeter. >> congratulations. good luck to you. have something ready in case you hear your name tonight. >> i'm having a hard time with that one. >> it's it going to come from her heart. >> congratulations. thank you very much, guys. viola davis, nominated for best actress in "the help." a lot of people are saying she could take this oscar home tonight. back to you. >> i hope she has given some thought to what she's going to say. i have a good feeling she's going to be walking up there to accept that award tonight. let me go to lisa vanderpump. our special fashion commentator tonight. i'm no expert, but i'm going to tell you, viola davis' name will be on the best dressed list. >> i loved her look tonight. i thought it was a brave statement to go all natural at the oscars, but i loved it.

the green with the jewelry. we're seeing a lot of the trend with the earrings. i think it's beautiful. i really do think she brought it home. >> you mentioned trends. one is the bare necks. i noticed that tonight. not a lot of necklaces. not a lot of heavy weight around the neck tonight. >> i think the country is going to have to recover from this recession really to kind of go back into the gold and bring the big jewelry out. we're still seeing earrings and cuffs, but not the heavy necklaces. >> you and i have a unique vantage point. we see the sea of people wondering in. we see all the colors. i'm trying to get a sense if there are any trends with colors. seeing a lot of black. >> not so much red. last year there was a lot of red. i'm seeing a lot of blue and nude tones. >> so as you have watched these stars coming by and speaking with michelle turner, top pick

so far? >> stacey keebler. but i thought the green was good for viola. >> i thought she looked spectacular. you're looking forward to angelina jo lee. we will continue in just a moment. of course, oscar night is all about the incredible arrivals we're witnessing. we're live in the middle of it all. plus we're taking you inside the battle for best picture gold. talking about "the artist," "the help," "the descendants." this is a fight like never before for the biggest oscar. who will come out on top? you're watching a special live edition of "showbiz road to edition of "showbiz road to gold." -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com ew. seriously? so gross.

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this is a special live edition of showbiz tonight. we're live on the red carpet with the biggest stars and our showbiz oscar all stars with

everything covered. it's all about the golden guy inside, of course, but the oscar red carpet is where the real battle is on for oscar's best dressed. tonight the red carpet faceoffs. the epic battle for the the best picture oscar. george clooney versus brad pitt. will it be a big night for "hugo"? this is a special live edition of "show biz tonight", and it continues right now. hello from hollywood. i'm a.j. hammer. welcome back to the special edition of "showbiz tonight", "showbiz road to gold." gets underway in 90 minutes from

now. michelle turner is live from the red carpet. she's speaking with the big sta stars. and with me right now, a special guest fashion commentator, lisa vanderpump. wow. what fashion we have seen coming down the red carpet. you have had your eye on a couple of the best actress nominees. >> michelle williams. she favors that high neckline, but she's wearing a red strapless. it looks very pretty on her. the first necklace we have seen tonight. we have seen rooney maro. she found the hair a little severe. but it was interesting to see her in a white choice. she looks very beautiful. >> people will be talking about both of those ladies tomorrow. right now, out to the red carpet as it fills up with the biggest stars. they need to stop with michelle turner.

michelle? >> hi, guys. we're live now. i was just telling the crew and sean combs that we're going to be live talking to them. >> this is like the biggest night in hollywood. this is a night we all come out to celebrate each other and the great works that have been done over the the year. we're nominated for best documenta documentary. this is daniel and t.j., the directors. this movie is such a touching movie. it's not just about football. it's about life. we're just keeping our fingers crossed, but we're blessed to be here. and the movie opened in theaters last week. so if you haven't seen it, go see it. >> if this wins, you will be the first african-american director to win. >> one of the things i was

seeing clips from this. we did a piece about this. your passion for these kids and for this team. it really was wonderful. >> well, i appreciate it. i represent a bunch of people. i represent 200 people in memphis who surrounded these kids to help them. >> we'll end on that. shout out to north memphis from the crew. back to you, a.j. >> all right. the award we wait for at the end of the night is the award for best picture. and the battle is like no other year. there are certainly some favorites, but the oscar could truly go to any of the great movies nominated. this year, we have nine films. certainly some favorites, but some heavy contenders all around. >> absolutely. nine heavy weights. but one huge, huge standout. so far this year, it's been all about the silent picture "the

artist." an incredible silent movie. it's won best picture. no silent movie has won an oscar since 1929. let's take a look at the competition it faces. up against "the artist" is the descendan descendants. "the help," "hugo," "midnight in paris," "moneyball," and a tree of life. some huge contenders there. we'll have to see who brings it home. >> from the best picture nominees, let's go to best actress nominee who is with michelle turner on the red carpet. >> absolutely. i have glen close who is nominated for best actress. you have been trumpeting this film. this was a labor of love for you. >> i played it on stage a long time ago.

i thought it was a fascinating character. i bought the rights and here we are. >> you put up your own money for this. you sang for your supper. >> i did. and i got an incredible team together. i'm so thrilled we got three nominations. we're all on the carpet. there's janet down there. it's means a huge amount to me. >> we were told a story before. we talked about this before. how this thing came together with you guys. you tell the story that you went back, script in, wanting her to do this film. she says she saw you coming and was like oh my gosh, it's glenn close. what's the real story? >> i didn't have a script because i thought that was too

presumption. i had never met her before. i said i would love her to look at a certain part. she was magnificent. >> one of the things, i think it's great there's so many really good meaty roles this year for women and so many strong roles in your category. >> very true. it's very exciting. >> you told me you're wearing zach posen. you look gorgeous. a.j., back to you. glenn close looking fe nphenome. >> looking so glamorous. and obviously, we know just how much time and effort the stars put into what they wear on the red carpet. they have to figure out what to wear. choose from so many possibilities. i have to tell you, tonight it looks like hollywood is taking glamour to a new level. lisa vanderpump, she knows fashion and glamour. she's our special fashion

commentator tonight. what do you see tonight that you're loving? >> glenn close looked so pretty. her hair and makeup was beautiful. okay taif ya spencer, she looked incredible. whoever is dressing her is doing a great job. fantastic on her. >> has anybody surprised you? >> yes. rooney moro in white. michelle williams in the red strapless. there's a couple people outside their comfort zones. >> the rampup to a night like tonight. it doesn't just involve picking out an outfit. are they working out with trainers and visiting their favorite doctors? i don't know. >> you know what, i think there's a lot of preparation that goes into tonight absolutely. >> by doctors i meant facialists. >> they all look tiptop. they look their best.

>> imagine what this night is like for a first-time nominee and somebody who thought they would never walk this red carpet. i'm thinking that's the case for jonah hill. he's with michelle turner right now. >> they just told me we're live. we're here with jonah hill. i know you have been trying to play low key, but you're really overwhelmed by this whole experience. >> wait. am i trying to play it low key? i'm super excited. this is amazing. >> enjoy the night, jonah. that was quick. they were grabbing me that he had to leave from us. we'll send it back to you. >> i am pulling for him. i don't know if it's his night to win, but i think he feels he's already won the prize. these are the people walking on

the red carpet tonight. these are the stars that are floating. next, the inside scoop about what it's really like for them on this golden night. imagine being in their shoes. this is a special live edition of "showbiz tonight." >> being such a good partner in that way. >> and a triple nominee. >> me? yes, triple. he's only double. >> two films though. >> you got me. >> don't ever do that to me again. get ready. we're going to go see your grandparents. >> he's coming with us. >> listen. what's going on this week is really a family matter. you understand? sid is not interested in meeting your grandparents.

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i'm a.j. hammer. stay right here. there's so much more excitement on the red carpet. this is a special edition of "showbiz road to gold."

welcome back to the special live edition of "showbiz road to gold." the countdown is on for the 84th academy awards. hollywood's biggest night. so much big fashion walking down the red carpet. our special fashion commentator lisa vanderpump. thrilled to have you here. you look smashing. talk it me about one of the stars that you think stepped it up tonight from their previous appearances. >> i think what melissa leo wore was controversial to the previous awards. she's taken it up a notch. the gold sequins with the black look beautiful. >> any risk takers tonight? you talked about rooney moro chchanging up her look. but anybody stepping to the

line? >> not yet. i think stacey's dress was pretty out there. i thought it was beautiful though. and i thought viola davis, the hair statement was a brave statement to say, okay, this is me. that's been exciting. >> did you say wigs? >> that's what she said. >> guess who michelle turner is with on the red carpet. kristen wig. >> i have the ultimate wig with me. i'm so happy for you. i love that the funny ladies are at the oscars. this has been to be utopia tonight. >> it's like no words. we can't believe that we're here. >> but you're writers. no words? >> yeah. exactly. talking is harder.

>> are you guys presenting with the rest of the ladies or just hanging out? >> i'm presenting with the rest of the ladies. >> so they have all said we're really nervous. are you nervous about that at all? presenting or waiting to see if you hear your name called? >> i don't know. probably both equally terrifying for me right now. i'm trying to just not pass out. >> all good vibrations to melissa. >> yes. we're so excited. well deserved. fingers crossed. >> absolutely. thank you. congratulations to you. love the movie. a.j., back to you. >> i'm so pleased that briets maids got so much love. coming up next, the party continues. we're firing up the fashion cam. our special fashion commentator will be back with me with the

hits and miss she's seeing on the red carpet. this is a special edition of "showbiz road to gold." >> i think to be asked into this party or brought to this table and then to have all of the women in that category be women that i find so amazing and bionic and one of them be such a good friend, i get really excited to see other women doing such incredible work. i love the diversity. the roles couldn't be more different. the women couldn't be more different. >> i don't want to infringe on your privacy. i really appreciate what you do for this country and i respect the hell out of you. >> that's great. i'm not an air marshall. i'm going to take a nap. >> awesome. i'll take the first watch. [announcer:] and, to the consumer who says... [consumer:] the economists make some good points.

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welcome back to the special live edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold." there is the dictator, ladies and gentlemen. sasha baron cohen showing up in

character as a sex-crazed middle eastern december pat. they were saying don't show up in that outfit. yet there he is. i'm a.j. hammer live from the academy awards. there he is. i'm along with "showbiz tonight" kareem winter. >> i am just speechless. no one thought he would show up here in costume as a dictator. he did it. you know he's going to be the big talk. he's going to get the best dressed award. no one is going to be talking about angelina. they are going to be talking about that guy right there because his pub lis si stunt worked. everyone is going to be seeing the dictator. michelle turner is out on the red carpet. were people applauding?

what was the vibe when he shows up as this despicable character? >> people were. it was a commotion over here to my left when he came through. but what happened, i don't know if you could see, but he was speaking with ryan seacrest and all of a sudden, he had this urn that had kim jong-il ashes. it flipped out everywhere. it's all over ryan seacrest. it's all over the red carpet here. and it's actually very odd. ryan didn't look too happy. he has a towel over trying to wipe himself off. then they just herded him away. i kept trying to get him to come talk to me, but they herded him away quickly. >> and the funny thing is, as i mentioned, originally the academy said stay away if you're going to dress up in character.

we don't want to use the red carpet as a publicity machine, but when they saw the traction that the story was getting and the fact we were all talking about it, they said, you know what, we welcome you with open arms. they knew people would be tuning in to see just that. lisa vanderpump, my special guest fashion commentator. i can't believe i'm going to ask you this. but how does he look as the t k dictator? >> good lord. you need a bit of fun on the carpet. look at him. >> it's my job to know what's happening in hollywood. but for you, prior to this week and this controversy, were you even aware that he made a movie called "the dictator"? >> i have to be honest, no. >> but there are some big fashion winners. we were talking about the lovely michelle williams. i got a look at her when she was close to us. up close, she looked absolutely

beautiful. the diamond detail on the waist was gorgeous. she's really kind of stepped out of her comfort zone. >> were you impressed? i pointed out that diamond detail. i'm paying attention. >> you're looking pretty dapper yourself. >> this would be a ted baker. lisa told me i should be wearing a bow tie. >> it's back. >> e we'll talk about the special awards. who else is standing out tonight? >> i liked okay taif ya spencer. i thought she looked gorgeous. i think it's a beautiful dress for a full-figured woman. that was an interesting choice because it's quite a statement to wear that when you're not a size 2. i thought she did it really well. >> there's so much pressure on women who come out for this

event. there will be misses. we can speak about it diplomatically, but there are some women who did not knock it out of the park. i hate to say that at all, because i know what it takes going into a night like this. but who might wind up on some of those lists of the not so favorab favorable? >> kristen wig, the underwear color. i thought the dress was pretty, but it's very fine line. when you put it on halle barry it stands out. but i hear she's not coming. she's the kind of fashion diva of the carpets. >> disappointing for some reason. not making it here to the red carpet. she would have been looking stunning. michelle turner is on the red carpet. she's talking with all of the stunning stars as they walk into the theater tonight. >> thank you, a.j. you were talking about michelle

williams. she was wearing lou vitton. she's in a good mood tonight. she's relaxed and hanging out with her best friend. she said get ready because this is going to a long night. she's going to after the show go out and party. take a look at what she told me. >> you have been so humble about playing marilyn monroe. but you really were marilyn monroe. you get that right? >> i don't know. >> i know. >> you're nominated for an academy award. you know. >> i don't know what i know. >> what's the plan tonight? we have to have fun. >> yes. we're in it for the long haul. >> last year we fell asleep on the way to madonna's party. my husband tried to wake us up. so this yooear we're making it madonna's party.

>> as coy as they were about how they are feeling tonight, i spoke with others who are elated about being here. take a listen. >> have you kind of wrapped your brain around all of this yet? or is it still an adventure? >> i don't want to understand something. it's just crazy. it's a dream for this movie. for the director and the crew. for me the french actor, it's unbelievable. >> one of the things that people are saying is that you in the last few weeks have become the front runner in the best actor catego category. and "the artist" has become the front runner in the best picture category. if this happens, what does that

mean? >> it's a luxury. it's more freedom for the future. and a love for america from a french actor. it's an honor. >> he is a very handsome man. they call him the french george clooney. i can see where that comes from. now i also spoke with best actress nominee rooney moro. she's a very soft spoken kind of woman. she did tell me she's excited and honored for this nomination. >> best actress nominee. it's a bit of a madness. have you taken it all in? >> i haven't. everything happens so fast. you don't have the chance to. i feel very honored to be here.

i'm excited. >> and she was wearing understated with the hair. the red lip was beautiful. and the white dress, a little bit of a departure from what we have seen here on the red carpet. back to you. >> she scored points with lisa for wearing white. we can't talk about the oscars without mentioning the host, billy crystal. it's his ninth time hosting. i have to say as good as billy is at this gig, he's a proven entity in this job. i think he's got a lot of pressure because the academy award had kind of a black cloud hanging on it after last year's, shall we say, hosting misfire. >> this is where billy crystal really shines. he's had a little practice. his ninth time hosting. this is his town. this is his audience. if anyone can knock it out of

the park, billy can. he's going to keep the audience and the energy up with all the laughs all night long. you can bet on a great show. >> that's just the point. you mentioned the laughs. it's important for the producersover the oscars this year to have comedy involved with the show. that's a big push for them, which is why billy is perfect for the job. do you have a sense of what's up his sleeve? he does the big production numbers. what's he going to do? >> we can thank the show producers for giving us a sneak peek. he's going to do a musical medley. it's going to be shocking and surprising. i can't wait for that. >> i think he's going to knock it out of the park. jennifer lopez is arriving at the oscars. they are getting underway in just a few minutes. just 30 minutes away from the academy awards. there's still a lot more to come on this special live edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold". our coverage continues next. we'll bring you more monday morning with all of the oscar

surprises. that's at 10:00 a.m. eastern tomorrow on hln. this is a special e edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold." ca.

we've got to protect the environment. the economists make some good points. we need safer energy. [announcer:] who's right? they all are. visit powerincooperation.com. i'm a.j. hammer where the big oscar show will begin one hour from now. this is "showbiz tonight"'s continuing coverage of the road to gold. the biggest oscar showdowns including brad pitt versus george clooney. >> there's nothing friendly about it. >> we're going to wrestle it out at the end. >> plus viola davis versus merle streep. who will take home the gold? and the oscar goes to -- the dogs. it's the oscar showdown that got

hollywood tongues wagging. uggie from "the artist" versus koz moe from "beginners." this special edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold" continues right now. hello. i'm a.j. hammer. the excitement is explosive. tonight, we're speaking with all of the biggest nominees. with me tonight, "showbiz tonight"'s kareem winter. lisa vanderpump is here as our fashion commentator.

congratulations. i know among other things, you have your eye on george clooney. i don't think there's a lady in the house that doesn't. what are you most looking forward to? >> i'm excited for viola davis. we have everything crossed hoping she wins. when he wakes up, we're cheering her on. >> the scales are tipping in her favor. what about you? we have been watching this closely in the weeks running up to the show. what's the most anticipated thing for you. >> i can't wait to see billy crystal take the stage. the last time he hosted was back in 2004. this is his town and his audience. he's going to keep the jokes rolling all night long. >> i can't wait for the start of the show. i can't recall the last time there was an oscar show where there was so many highly-anticipated e showdowns in one night. >> that's right, a.j. you have friends and legends facing off in the biggest oscar showdowns hollywood has seen in years. you have george clooney and brad pitt, keeping the battle hot.

we also have octavia spencer and melissa mcccarthy. >> george clooney and brad pitt are going toe to toe. viola davis and merle streep are duking it out. "showbiz tonight" can tell you these nominees and long-time pals make up the hottest oscar showdowns this year. >> i hope you were the groom. >> clooney and pitt share one of the most talked about bromances. first teaming up in "oceans 11." clooney earned a nod for "the descendant descendants". and the rivalry is heating up. >> what's up with the friendly competition going on between you and your best bud? >> there's nothing friendly

about it. i'll tell you that right now. >> we're going to wrestle it out at the end. last man standing takes it all. >> my money is on brad. i mean in a fistfight. >> they are not the only big stars squaring off on the road to gold. >> i'm going to whoop merle streep's behind in a good, old-fashioned, street fight. as far as the oscars, i don't know about that. >> viola davis, she's currently the favorite in the lead actress category despite being normminad against merle streep. >> i'm just honored to be in her company. >> she's honored to battle it out. the big showdown puts her against her pal, melissa. >> people i didn't know, there would be the competitive thing, but i know what she's been through. and we're thrilled to be there

side by side. >> side by side or head to head, these showdowns will be decided on the oscar stage. but no matter who ends up with the gold, the contenders seem to be enjoying it. >> he's really nice. it's fun. >> thank you for teaming that up so nicely. there's a lot of underdogs getting a lot of buzz tonight. in our exclusive poll, we asked which oscar underdog are you rooting for? jonah hill, melissa mccarthy or michelle williams? 44% say they are rooting for jonah. what do you think? to me, it seems among the underdogs, jonah hill is the front runner. >> you're right on the money. it's jonah hands down. this is a guy who went from "super bad" to academy nominee. many are blown away he's here.

let's hope he steals it tonl. >> it's been great speaking with jonah. something else that so many people are looking for is how will they pay tribute to whitney houston. it was just two weeks ago she died. and i can't believe we're even saying that, but the oscar will give a nod to her. >> in a special way. in fact, "showbiz tonight" went one on one with the producers of the academy awards. watch what they told us. >> she will be acknowledged during the evening along with some of the other young men and women both in front of the camera and behind the camera who were lost this year. but she was definitely part of the motion picture community. there's no question about that. >> so what other details can you reveal about how they will pay tribute to whitney? >> it it will be in the memorial

section. there will be other stars within the film industry who we have lost who will be honor ed. the tribute will come towards the end of the show around 11:00 p.m. right before the the announcement before best actor. >> it's a moment everybody will be waiting for. besides the tributes, we're looking forward to the big race. george clooney already having an amazing award season including a golden globe award for best actor in "the descendants." it took me so long to see it. what did george tell you when you spoke with him about the nominations this season? >> george is terrific. he always has so much to say. what i love most about him, whenever i speak with him, it's like he's opening up about everything. i sat down with george as well as "the descendants" director and we spoke about george's double nominations. take a look at what he told me. >> how gratifying is this to be recognized for your performance in the descendants and your

writing in "ides of march"? >> we were nominated together. and to be nominated again for writing, you can get nominated once, it's nice. twice is a great spot to be. it puts you in a rare category. and then to be given a part like this to work with the best director in the game, i feel i'm very lucky. >> you are good friends with brad pitt who is up in the same category. yes. he wrote as well. what's the one thing that would surprise us that really would get under brad's skin? >> i don't think people know this, but brad is like 5'2". >> i have seen him. that's not true. >> he's wearing huge heels. he's much smaller in real life. you would know. you understand.

>> george, the actor and comedian. you have to love how george got in a little fun jab at brad. he is up against for best actor. let's set the record straight. i know that these two have been having a lot of fun with this friendly competition during this award season. it will be fun to see what happens. if george will take home an oscar tonight. we're less than an hour away from the academy awards. we want to remind you. our special coverage of the oscars continues on monday. we'll bring you the surprises and the showdowns. that will happen live on monday at 10:00 a.m. eastern on hln. clooney may be a favorite to bring home an oscar tonight, but tonight the oscar also goes to the dogs. i'm wondering if uggi will outshine his competitors tonight. >> when i have sausages in my pocket, it's better. >> he wouldn't come out of his trailer unless you brought him

lots of sauce sajs. then even then, he wants sam pa champagne. >> is billy crystal having the toughest job? imagine the pressure and expectations. the whole world will be watching tonight. "showbiz tonight" reveals the secret pressures of hosting the academy awards. this is a special edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road to gold." the real world insight she gained from her oscar nominated role in "the help" e. >> i became measure successful when i realized what success meant. playing a character who also is from humble beginnings, but does so much with so little made me realize we have much work to do. >> all right. i'm going to do it. but i need to make sure she understand this ain't no game. slide out your chair under the

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covering all of the big oscar showdowns tonight. you both look amazing. i need to point out. jiggy is along for the ride. he's so chill. you're relaxing before the big show. he goes wherever with you. but the question on everybody's mind tonight, what is jigg wearing? >> actually, jiggy is wearing himself. it's all home made. >> he's very talented if he was able to whip that little number together. >> there's many things he does. >> jiggy a star in his own right. a great coincidence in having him here. this year more than ever, the oscars are going to the dogs. what's happening? >> they sure in a crazy, crazy way. we have seen this mania that's being fuelled by uggi from "the artist." he'll be going paw to paw with some other star pups in less

than an hour when the the oscars begin in a showdown of a great dane proportion. who will be the best in show? >> like many stars in films, this one arrives via limo. and attracts a crowd. hollywood's top dog these days, uggi, the jack russell terrier is the scene stealer of "the artist." the cast revealed there's a crucial secret to working with uggi. >> when i have sausages in my pocket, he likes that. >> he wouldn't come out of the trailer unless you had sausages. >> has the success of "the artist" transformed uggie into a demanding celebrity? his costars think so.

>> 28 trailers. and he wanted a trailer with a fire hydrant, which is really hard to find. >> even his owner acknowledges all the attention may be causing uggie to misbehave at home. >> has fame changed him? >> this morning he was eat iing cat food and he knows he's not supposed to do it 37 i said uggie, and he looked at me like he could eat whatever he wants. >> he's not the only dog getting praise this season. christopher plumber is passionate about his costar k cosmo in "beginners." >> and the dog in hugo has been unfairly upstaged by uggie. >> it's that i feel because of the character that blacky was, he was aggressive. >> dogs don't qualify for actual

oscars, but at the golden collar awards, reality tv dogs, sitcom dogs, there were six categories. >> that's my buddy there. congratulations on your golden collar award. you're here with another golden collar winner. could you have ever imagined that dogs would steal the spotlight? >> they are kind of people in their own right. >> i'm a huge dog guy as you well know. i'm not surprised. so the oscars are getting underway in less than an hour. billy crystal, a highly-anticipated act tonight. eddie murphy was supposed to host. that didn't work out. but does a host make or break the show? >> absolutely. you need someone who is going to keep the energy up.

keep the laughs flowing. billy crystal has a little experience. he's been doing this for so many years. he's going to be an incredible job. >> i think there's little doubt. i think he'll win a whole new audience tonight. a younger generation who doesn't know who he is stay right where you are. less than an hour away from the academy awards. we want to remind you. "showbiz tonight" coverage of the awards continues on monday. live on hln. we'll have all the surprises and all of the big showdowns. as the clock is ticking away, i have to imagine at this point, billy crystal is doing his last-minute ritual before taking the stage to host the oscars tonight. but is hosting the oscars also the hardest job in hollywood? billy has done it eight times, but the expectations are very high tonight. maybe bigger than ever. "showbiz tonight" dares to ask. is he going to live up to the hype? this is a special edition of "showbiz tonight," "showbiz road

to gold." brad pitt e tell us about his showdown with his good buddy, george clooney. >> we're going to wrestle it out at the end. last man standing takes it all. >> my money is on brad. fistfig. i'm not even talking about the -- >> thank you. >> on the basketball court, maybe not. no, this has been such fun, to do this and do this with him. you know, no one does it better. and it's just -- it just makes it so much more pleasant. >> says he needs $220,000 for ricardo rinko, please. yes, i added the please at the end. okay. let me -- hold on one second, please. >> tell him i'll pay for him. it's the only listerine® that gets teeth two shades whiter and makes tooth enamel two times stronger. get dual-action listerine® whitening rinse.

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my meineke. this is "showbiz tonight's" special coverage of the road to gold. i'm a.j. hammer, just outside the hollywood and highland center, where the oscars will begin within the hour, with host billy crystal tonight. let's face it, that host gig, it ain't easy. so the question is, can billy pull off yet another spectacular performance in hollywood's toughest job? here's "showbiz tonight's" nischelle turner. >> this year oscar and i are reunited. >> reporter: it's been called the toughest job in showbiz. >> but it's hollywood, so how long can it last? >> reporter: hosting the academy awards. producers agree it's a tough gig for everyone. >> it's the wrong place to make a mistake, if you know what i mean. but with billy, we've got one of

the three greatest oscar hosts of all time, the other being bob hope and johnny carson. >> reporter: bob hope faced off with temperamental a-listers and an audience of millions over 19 times. >> it's translated into over 73 languages. and, you know, it's weighty, it's got gravitas. >> i loved it. i had a great time. and if they'd said, come do it again, i would. >> reporter: after becoming the first woman or african-american to host alone, whoopi goldberg did do it again, but her third time followed 9/11 and the somber mood led to the longest show on record. >> i'm like vibrating inside. >> reporter: from national crisis to overwhelming expectations, ellen degeneres was hired after wildly popular gigs at the grammies and emmys, but critics called the show predictable and the academy hasn't asked her back. >> that was my best moment. >> reporter: jon stewart's first hosting moment in 2006 flopped. but unlike ellen, john got a

second chance. >> look, i've bombed in front of better and bigger crowds than this. >> reporter: but in 2008, john faced a new challenge and had to tough it out with the writer's strike. in the end, he only had four days to rehearse, but critics loved it. >> just tired of getting my ass kicked in oscar pools. i figured if i'm here, nobody can say anything. >> reporter: in all, more than 70 hosts have graced oscar's stage, but no one is more wildly considered a better host than -- >> the oscars, not just an award show, okay, it is. >> reporter: look up any top ten list, and you'll see his name a lot. like in 1998, when "titanic" won big and the oscars won even bigger, hitting a record 55 million viewers. of course, the question now is, what about 2012? >> it's pretty spectacular and it's funny. >> while producers aren't spilling all the show's secrets, you can count on one thing for

sure. >> i'm billy crystal and i approve these oscars. >> i think there's little doubt that billy's going to knock it out of the park. thank you for watching this special edition of "showbiz tonight," showbiz road to gold. and big thanks tonight to my road to gold team, including kareen wynter, lisa van der pump, and the coolest doggy in the world, jiggy, thank you for being hear too. the 84th annual academy awards start in just over 30 minutes. and make sure you join us on monday morning, that's when we'll have all of the oscar surprises and headlines. you've got to catch our special live coverage after the oscars. we fire it up at 10:00 a.m. eastern on hln. this is $100,000.

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