Burt Wonderstone Set Photo

That’s none other than Olivia Wilde, who knows a thing or two about tight body-clinging outfits after impressing audiences in Tron: Legacy in 2010. In the shot, Wilde does not seem impressed by Carrey’s interactions with the audience. As for me? Let’s just say I’m very, very impressed… by Wilde.

Frank or Francis Cast Members

Kate Winslet and Catherine Keener, both of whom earned Oscar nominations in previous films written by Charlie Kaufman, have joined the cast of Kaufman’s next project, Frank or Francis. According to Vulture, the duo will join a cast that includes Jack Black and Steve Carell, their former costars of The Holiday and The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Other cast members include Nicholas Cage and Kevin Kline.

Winslet earned an Oscar nomination for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Keener was nominated for Being John Malkovich. Both films were written by Kaufman who is now writing and directing his own films. Frank or Francis is described as “a very meta musical comedy about a director (Carell) who becomes obsessed with the message board commenter (Black) disparaging his movies on a Hollywood website.” There are no details on the roles for Winslet and Keener, including whether they will play opposite the same love interests as their previous roles.

Academy Award Nominee Jonah Hill

Nominations for the 84th Annual Academy Awards have been announced, and several key comedy players were among the nominees. Jonah Hill earned his expected first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his dramatic turn in Moneyball, following his impressive run through all the precursor awards. Moneyball received six nominations overall, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Brad Pitt) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Melissa McCarthy also received her first nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Bridesmaids, a major accomplishment for a mainstream studio comedy. Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig also received her first Oscar nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category, alongside her writing partner Annie Mumolo. The love for Bridesmaids did not, however, crossover to the Best Picture category, whose revised rules left this year with only nine nominees.

Midnight in Paris placed in several key categories, earning 4 nominations including Best Picture, Best Director (Woody Allen), Best Original Screenplay (Woody Allen), and Best Art Direction. As expected, support for the film did not include a Best Actor nomination for Owen Wilson.

The Muppets earned one of only two Best Original Song nominations, with Flight of the Conchords’ Bret McKenzie almost being guaranteed a win for his song “Man or Muppet.” Jack Black’s Kung-Fu Panda 2 was one of the nominees for Best Animated Film, while Owen Wilson’s Cars 2 did not.

Notable snubs this year included 50/50, which many predicted had a shot at Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and a distant chance at Best Picture, which would have earned nominations for producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Likewise, a Bridesmaids Best Picture nomination would have earned Judd Apatow his first Oscar nomination as well.

The Oscars will take place on Sunday, February 26th, hosted by Billy Crystal. The silent film The Artist, which earned 10 nominations, is expected to sweep the ceremony in most of the major categories.

Alan Alda and Ben Stiller in Tower Heist

Ben Stiller will executive produce a new series for HBO and is slated to direct and star in the pilot, according to the Hollywood Reporter. It is unclear what acting role Stiller will take in the series which is described as “Jewish family comedy.” According to TRH, “The project, which is being billed as “politically, religiously, culturally, intellectually and sexually irreverent,” revolves around the daily and life-altering dramas of a Jewish family in Washington, DC.”  The series is slated to start shooting this fall.

Alan Alda is in talks to appear in the series, which would be his first since M*A*S*H. Alda recently appeared with Stiller in Tower Heist and previously worked with the actor on Flirting with Disaster.

Stiller wrapped shooting on Neighborhood Watch just yesterday and is planning to star and direct in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. So, it would seem implausible for Stiller to take a regular role on the series. But, perhaps a recurring role is possible for Stiller who is still among the most successful film comedians.

Ben Stiller and Alan Alda in Flirting with Disaster

Jason Segel

Jason Segel has been named Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals. The award recognizes outstanding entertainers and comes from the oldest underground theatrical troupe. A parade and roast for Segel will be held on February 3rd.  Claire Danes won the actress award from Hasty Pudding this year.

Previous Hasty Pudding winners with Frat Pack connections include Ben Stiller, James Franco, Robert Downey, Jr., Christopher Walken, Alan Alda, Tim Robbins, and Tom Cruise.

Jeff Who Lives at Home

Based on the Duplass Brothers’ last effort, Cyrus, their new film for 2012 would be highly anticipated, but with stars like Jason Segel, Ed Helms, and Susan Sarandon this film is near the top of the “must sees” this year. The trailer Jeff Who Lives at Home was released today and it sure looks like a wonderful departure for both leads.  The film is scheduled for release on March 16.

In particular, Segel has dialed down his bug-eyed comedy persona way way down and now one wonders if this film will do for Segel what Cyrus did for his Knocked Up costar Jonah Hill. The film looks like a real departure for Segel and seems like a nice companion for the more mainstream Five-Year Engagement coming out just a month later.  Meanwhile, if this film is half as good as Helms’ last indie comedy, Cedar Rapids, then it’s sure to be worth seeing.

Synopsis:

On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of comedic and unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life… and if he’s lucky, pick up the wood glue as well.

Check out the film’s official website.

Mike Simmers

The full trailer for Mike Simmers’ parody trailer The Frat Pack Rises is now available all it’s Frat-loving glory. And be sure to stay tuned at the conclusion for a preview of Simmers’ next project that looks to be even more interesting for Frat Pack fans.

So, we’re left to post some photos and make some snarky comments.

Judd Apatow's Glassy Eyes Say He's Upset About Losing the Globe. No, really, that's what they say.

Owen Wilson and mother Laura Wilson

Dapper Jonah Hill

Seth Rogen and wife Lauren Miller

Kristen Wiig (is that a tattoo on her right side?)

The Artist's Missi Pyle strikes a pose

Will Arnett Makes my Favorite Photo of the Night with wife Amy Poehler

Here’s the Seth Rogen clip mentioned in the comments. Note that Rogen worked with Michelle Williams on Take This Waltz so that comment about her “hysterical comedy” shouldn’t be taken as mean-spirited.