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Even XXXXX, XXXXX XX, 2013 | TAB NAME Odd 2 TV ENCORE By Shona Dustan TV Media S he's the reigning queen of daytime talk shows, known for her big smile, generous spirit and sweet dance moves. Everybody loves Ellen DeGeneres, and in turn, Ellen seems to love everyone right back. Even the producers of Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year count them- selves among Ellen's fans. In fact, they've invited her to host this year's Oscars, a feat she's proved more than capable of in the past. Having previously hosted the cer- emonies in 2007, Ellen knows what she's getting into as she prepares to host "The 86th Annual Academy Awards," airing Sunday, March 2, on ABC. Hosting the Academy Awards is a notoriously tough gig. Last year's host, funnyman Seth MacFarlane, was widely criticized for his off-color jokes and musi- cal numbers, while the 2011 pair- ing of Anne Hathaway and James Franco is considered the most ill- conceived and awkward hosting jobs in recent memory (it's right up there with Rob Lowe's duet with Snow White in 1989 ... if you haven't seen that one, you can watch every uncomfortable moment on YouTube). Ellen, how- ever, managed to create a good comedic balance when she host- Graybeals Carpet 2 x 3" Young's Culligan 3 x 3" Harrison- Merzger 2 x 2" On the Cover ed in 2007. One critic called her performance "cheeky, but good- natured," saying she brought a "casual Friday mood to Fancy Sunday." Not only did the public like her, her peers honored her, too — she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy that year for her Oscar stint. Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have complete faith in the daytime comedienne this time around as well. "We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres host the Oscars," they said in a statement. "As a long- time friend, we had always hoped to find a project for us to do together, and nothing could be more exciting than teaming up to do the Oscars. There are few stars today who have Ellen's gift for comedy, with her great warmth and humanity. She is beloved everywhere and we expect that the audience at the Dolby Theatre, and in homes around the globe, will be as excited by this news as we are." In typical tongue-in-cheek fashion, Ellen said of the gig: "I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for the second time. You know what they say — the third time's the charm!" Many viewers are hoping to see a slightly more acerbic side of Ellen's wit on Oscar Sunday, but even if only the kindest, most loveable ver- sion of the host shows up, it's sure to be a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud kind of show. Ellen has a list of Hollywood's most incredible talent to use as fodder for her jokes and mono- logues this year. The nominations include some of the film busi- ness' most elite players and should make for a few very tight races. Leading the pack with 10 nominations each are two very different, very ambitious and star-studded films made by well- respected and sought-after direc- tors. "Gravity" (2013), an intense sci-fi/thriller, stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Bullock, who won an Oscar in 2010 for her work in "The Blind Side" (2009), is nominated in the Best Actress category for her portrayal of astronaut Ryan Stone, a woman who fights against all odds to survive a horrifying acci- dent in space. Also nominated is the film's director, Alfonso Cuarón, who was previously nominated for his films "Children of Men" (2006) and "Y tu mamá también" (2001), but has yet to win. Add to that a nod in the Best Motion Picture category, as well as a slew of more technical nominations, and "Gravity" is shaping up to be one of this year's biggest contenders. "American Hustle" (2013) could not be more different from "Gravity," but it is definitely the film's biggest competition. Set in 1978, the film chronicles the rise and fall (and possibly rise again?) of a couple of small-time conmen and the people who get sucked into their world in the process. Director David O. Russell is nomi- nated and, like Cuarón, has also been nominated twice before — for "Silver Linings Playbook" (2012) and "The Fighter" (2010) — but has yet to win the cov- eted award. This film has its hand Hollywood's brightest stars gather for the 86th Annual Academy Awards in most of the big Oscar catego- ries this year. As well as Best Director, "American Hustle" received nominations in all of the main acting categories. Christian Bale is up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Amy Adams for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Bradley Cooper for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role and Jennifer Lawrence for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. All are previous nominees, while Bale and Lawrence have both won Oscars for roles in other David O. Russell films ("The Fighter" and "Silver Linings Playbook," respectively). Add to these impressive stats a nomina- tion for Best Motion Picture and a handful of technical nods, and you've arguably got this year's biggest film. The Oscars come but once a year, so tune in Sunday, March 2, and watch all the comedy and action unfold on ABC. Ellen DeGeneres prepares to host The Oscars for the second time D&J Liquors 3 x 2" MAROCCO-RANS FUNERAL CHAPEL 119 E. Market St. | Logansport, IN • 574.753.6282 www.ransfuneralhomes.com HARRISON-METZGER & RANS FUNERAL HOMES 304 S. 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