Empire's account: Providing the evening�s high-point was Renee Zellweger, who was lauded with best actress in a musical or comedy for her role in Nurse Betty. However, clearly still suffering from the ditziness of her character in Bridget Jones, Zellweger had chosen that exact moment for a trip to the little girls� room. �What?� Where is she?� She�s disappeared,� stuttered an embarrassed Hugh Grant who was presenting the award, �Right, I see. She�s in the bathroom.� Thankfully Zellweger made it back just in time and dashed to the stage in an embarassed fluster. �Oh my God,� she blurted, �I had lipstick on my teeth.�

An adorable Bridget moment indeed. I demand the name of the pessimist who wrote the following downbeat analysis not four months ago:... Mark...I think you better make that plural But we don't talk about that now....;-)

Caught a glimpse of HG/Rz moment, wonderful. HG looked "owlish" in those glasses and RZ has shed all her weight it appears, looked fab. Why oh why do we Brits have to rely on channel 5 (our most downmarket) to provide anything like a reasonably full report. Come on Beeb, if you can do it online then do it on the screen.

Tina Brown (Talk Magazine) held her pre-GG party on Saturday at the Mondrian Hotel. A couple of people we know... HG talking to James Caan HF next to Alan Yentob

Oh for a pic of ODB. He can "out- debonair" HG anytime. Thanks Karen for those.

C'mon, Colin, time to hop aboard the schmooze train! Thanks for the pics, Karen. A little info from Miramax: BJD is indeed opening nationwide on April 13, and it will be a "wide release", i.e., they're not platforming it. They couldn't tell me how many theaters that means. Press kit won't be available until about a month ahead of time. Did anyone watch the post-Globes interviews on the E! channel? RZ was peppered with questions about BJD. Jules Asner was absolutely gushing, oh it's my favorite book, I can't wait for the movie, when are we going to see it, tell us about your time in England, how did you gain/lose the weight for the part, yada, yada, yada. So, this win is good exposure for the film, and RZ might now have an outside shot at an Oscar nom.

(Mari) it will be a "wide release", i.e., they're not platforming it. So maybe they're not Mira-morons any more. ;-) (Mari) Jules Asner was absolutely gushing, oh it's my favorite book That cracked me up, as I was trying to picture Jules reading a book. I could more easily see Steve Kmetko going out with a woman first. ;-) Boy, did you stay up late!!

The cameras hit on Harvey for a second ...laughing about George Clooney's crack about being Ashcroft's "love child". Nice to see HF and Alan Yentob partying!!She's really part of the Hollywood crowd now. RZ might now have an outside shot at an Oscar nom. She's got my vote...as well as Nurse Betty.Can't understand why they overlooked that film...

Do tell about GC's joke! Guess it's a bit off topic, go on I dare you.

Do tell about GC's joke!..... That's all he said...no kidding. That's what he called himself...everyone roared...esp. Harvey.

Ashcroft is Bush's nominee for Attorney-General. Clooney is probably just trying to sully his name and sink his nomination with this Jesse Jackson-like quip. A little tit for tat. How I wish it were true! ;-)

So maybe they're not Mira-morons any more. ;-) I'm not letting them off the hook yet.;-) *Will believe it when I see it.* That cracked me up, as I was trying to picture Jules reading a book. I could more easily see Steve Kmetko going out with a woman first. ;-) LOL! Maybe Jules is tired of coloring her books so she decided to finally read one.;-) You have to admit . . their hearts were in the right place! Clooney was so funny (not to mention gorgeous!). After the Ashcroft remark, he added, "not that I'm trying to influence any upcoming vote, or anything." Lizza, the Senate has to vote on and approve (or reject) by a majority any Cabinet nominees. Ashcroft is a right winger whose nomination has come under considerable fire from Democrats, women's groups, minorities, gun-control advocates, and other sensible people in general.;-).

...and other sensible people in general.;-). *whispering* Can I have equal time, please??;-)) *Oops..waiting to be shangaied to the Politics topic....*

Oops, sorry, Evelyn--I can't seem to stop campaigning . . . but I'll learn how to fast.;-) (Get over it, already, Mari--your team lost.) Believe it or not, I'm now in the Prez's corner--it's to my advantage as a citizen that he do well. Hey even Martin Sheen wished him well last night; if Josiah Barlett is ok with it, so am I.:-) (Just bringing it full circle back to the topic, sort of.;-)

Thank you, a dynamic trio to the rescue! Now I can go to bed with all explained and just about understood!

And clearly a staged publicity stunt to benefit BJD ;-) It seemed staged to me too. I am swamped with the Italian invasion and missed the GG's. Had a tape recording and was able to see that bit before it ran out of time. :-( RZ looked great. Definitely my choice for best dressed. Did anyone notice the similar heavy black eyeliner look the actresses had? Noticed it first with Sarah J-Parker and then they all seem to have it. *whispering* Can I have equal time, please??;-)) LOL!

(Moon) Did anyone notice the similar heavy black eyeliner look the actresses had? Who didn't? Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City) had the heaviest application. She looked like a Darryl Hannah understudy for "Blade Runner."

And, if anyone caught in in E!'s pregame, Hugh was at the GGs with Tina Brown.

Is Tina related to Divine?

Good one, Mark. I didn't see any money changing hands, so I'd assume not.;-)

Amusing item at This Is London today. Starring??? ;-) American actress-singer Lisa B has sold her two-bedroom Victorian flat in Holland Park for �510,000 to move to the country. Soon to be starring opposite Hugh Grant in the film version of Bridget Jones' Diary, she has bought a Georgian house in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. "Lisa seldom spends much time in one place as she's always jetting round the world to work and play," says a friend. "She's now talking of importing a Romanian couple to act as her housekeeper and driver."

Nice plug for the film in Dark Horizons today. Garth picks it as one of the films he's most looking forward to: Bridget Jones Diary: The acclaimed women's novel has a hell of a lot of fans out there, Zellweger has been pulling off great comedic performances lately, and with one of the best comedy writers in the business - Richard Curtis doing the script, at the very least it should be fun. Has the potential to be the biggest Brit film hit since "Four Weddings..." and "Notting Hill"

Just read an item on AICN about Animal Husbandry (if that's still its title). It will open on March 30. This is going to make it tough going for BJD. How many screens will they reserve for 'chick flicks'? Think it may also be time for my alter ego to talkback on AICN, urging people to see Bridget instead as book was superior. ;-) Lynda Obst's new film ANIMAL HUSBANDRY is also set for March 30th. She has assembled quite a wonderful cast with Ashley Judd, Ellen Barkin, Marisa Tomei, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman for this film about a woman getting to the bottom of what makes men tick by studying the aggressively womanizing Hugh Jackman. Wolverine, a womanizer? ALRIGHT, that sounds about right!

Seems that much more could've been made of it...from Liz Smith's column: TINA BROWN's escort to the Golden Globes last week was none other than the dashing Hugh Grant, who was dateless. Tabloids being what they are, I suppose much could be made of this pairing, but relax, Tina and Hugh split after the awards, leaving the actor free to charm actress Portia de Rossi and author Helen Fielding. "Hugh is soooo devilish!" cooed Miss Fielding, as the actor did his trademarked cocking the eyebrow, ducking the dead, swiping the floppy hair from his eyes. Everybody has his little ways, and Hugh's are quite effective. He was last seen leaving a party with Miss de Rossi, the night of the Globes.

I'm a bit leery about Animal Husbandry being made into a movie.... I LOVED the book, but I just can't picture it;) and Ashley Judd??? (I thought she only did women in distress movies???)

Have caught up on hundreds of posts and am caught up in BJD-mania! Am thrilled to read all the positive buzz (if Clarence was a plant, he was an effective one). LOL about the Mira-laz/Miramorons/Harvey Scissorhands comments, Mari and Karen. A belated congrats to Karen for landing those scoop-pics. 'The Turtleneck' is to die for. Hurrah! As a founding member of the Doubting Thomas Club, am thrilled and relieved to find that the movie is following the book fairly closely (for a book-based movie, that is) and has not been reduced to a string of formulaic 'I'm-just-a-girl Richard Curtis-isms'. I was also one who questioned whether CF would take the role (ducking Moon's hurling meatballs ;-)) for reasons stated by Bethan: he'd never lose the Darcy label in the UK. That's clearly become a non-issue at this point. Hurrah! Also thought RZ's moment at the GG's was classic BJ. Were it not for Dickie rushing to the rescue, I would've though it was planned (with you-know-Hugh presenting, etc.). Agree with Lizza, my first impression was 'not a sign of residual BJ pounds in sight'. If RZ lands an Oscar nom for NZ, who could ask for better pre-BJ publicity? As Ann says, 'roll on April'!

I was also one who questioned whether CF would take the role (ducking Moon's hurling meatballs ;-)) Meatballs? What is that? ;-) I prefer tomatoes. TYVM!

Not much, but another mention of Tina Brown's pre-GG party in George Christy's column in THR: Hugh Grant arrived fresh from London and apologized for being "rude, I know, but I must find a corner to make a phone call," which he did on his cell phone. He praised "Bridget Jones' Diary," a Miramax film co-starring Renee Zellweger based on Helen Fielding's best-seller. ...and I see Mari placed an item with Garth. ;-)

Yes, I am yet another unpaid BJD PR consultant.;-)

I've been meaning to ask....what is HF doing in the States? Has she permanently re-located? Is she writing anything at the moment? And do you think there's a chance of some more episodes of the diary, especially if the movie does well. Questions, questions... Is BJD the Big Opener for April 13 in the US? Or is there any competition? BTW I don't think "Animal Husbandry" will pose any threat in the UK, as the book is completely unknown. And hopefully in the US there'll be enough in BJD that's dissimilar and perhaps there'll be more depth...I think BJD will be more than a "Chick flick"

Where have you been, Bethan? HF lives in LA. That was reported ages ago. I don't think "Animal Husbandry" will pose any threat in the UK, as the book is completely unknown But it stars Ashley Judd, who turned Double Jeopardy--a truly so-so movie into a huge blockbuster; Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) and Greg Kinnear. They bring people in. That being said, they'll both be marketed as chick flicks or 'date movies.' They know boys aged 14 and over wouldn't be caught dead at them...without a date. ;-)

Bethan, HF moved to LA since someone - allegedly - stuck a gun cartridge through her letterbox in London. She must imagine things like that don't happen anywhere else. Hey, I once found an airgun pellet outside my window... ;-P ;-)

Filming the stars again Echo :-))

I have been thinking, I wonder if ther is a "WOT" moment in the forthcoming BJD, can't remember if there was one in the book or not.

I read (maybe here) that they recently changed the name of Animal Husbandry to something awful, generic, and plain vanilla, the name of which escapes me now, that's how forgettable it is. Since that's coming out 3/30, maybe that's why Miramax moved BJD back a week to the 13th--put some breathing room in there. The key to getting in the date crowd is TV advertising; the teens, especially the younger ones, don't read reviews or watch talk shows. They go to see whatever is hyped on MTV or Dawson's Creek.;-) Not sure that's BJ's audience anyway. Nothing much else interesting is coming out here on April 13. There's another Morgan Freeman does James Patterson's Alex Cross character, called Along Came A Spider. That franchise usually does respectably. Mark Wahlbeg has one coming out that day called Rock Star; I haven't heard a thing about it. The week before is one called "Blow" with Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, about the cocaine trade, which I have heard some good things about. While I'm on the subject, is there a movie that Penelope Cruz isn't in? And how did she get starring roles in all these big time films all of a sudden? Seems like they created Woman On Top ( awful reviews here) expressly for her. Then she gets All The Pretty Horses, Blow, Corelli, and I know not what. Well, I'll say this for her, she's a hard worker and despite her limited English, she is not afraid to do the talk show circuit. I thought All About My Mother was over-rated. The Corelli trailer seems uninspired, but you can't always go by that; notice you don't hear Nic Cage speak in it, though he sings. I guess they're keeping his Italian accent under wraps for now.;-) Sorry, way off the subject. Ann, I don't recall any WOT moments, but there is that one where Mark is firing questions around about Julio and mum, along the lines of "Wot has been done to recover her?" And as Bridget says, "I can tell you it was damn sexy." ;-) Roll on April is right!!

is there a movie that Penelope Cruz isn't in? And how did she get starring roles in all these big time films all of a sudden? This is a mystery to me too! She overacted in Woman on Top, and what I have seen of Corelli she is the same there too. I agree with you, Mari, on All About my Mother, over-rated with major flaws.

I liked All About My Mother, and thought Penelope Cruz was pretty good (and pretty, too) in it. Haven't seen any of the others, though. Nurse Betty has just opened here, but I don't think I'll be able to see it this week.

(AnnW)I have been thinking, I wonder if there is a "WOT" moment in the forthcoming BJD, can't remember if there was one in the book or not. There were a lot of them for BJ: (Answ. her Mum's "Oh, hello, darling, Guess wot?" BJ: "WOT?!" MUM: "Don't say 'wot' -- say 'pardon'!) But for Mark, the only one that comes to mind is right at the end of the book: BJ;...I did a bit...But..." MD: "But wot?" BJ: "Don't you mean, 'But, pardon'? MD: "Right, Bridget Jones. -- I'm going to give you 'pardon'-for!" A sort of quasi-'WOT' moment, right?... (**Hee hee**) KJ

Thanks KJ.

Maybe someone out west can catch this and fill us in. Helen Fielding will be interviewed on the Today show this morning during the 8:30--9:00 time slot. I assume she's plugging Cause Celeb.

Mari: have the Today show on and HF hasn't been on yet. Here's something...nice to see that RZ is mentioned in the same sentence as Julia in terms of desirability (also goes to the casting director/agent discussion): Reese lands prize role in Melissa Banks film Reese Witherspoon has pipped Minnie Driver to one of the prize movie roles of the year. She will star in Melissa Banks's The Girls' Guide To Hunting And Fishing. Competition for the part of the na�ve but ambitious out-of-towner who struggles to make it in the cut-throat world of publishing in New York was red hot. Driver has been attempting to regain the stature she lost after securing an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Matt Damon's student sweetheart three years ago in Good Will Hunting. Witherspoon, who starred in American Psycho and Pleasantville, will act as producer as well as star. Banks's two stories from her book - The Worst Thing A Suburban Girl Can Imagine and My Old Man - are being combined and adapted into one comedy drama. An insider told Ananova: "It's a strong role for any actress and the subject matter is in vogue with Julia Roberts and Renee Zellweger tying up so many of the good scripts sent to agents."

OK, have now seen Helen. Yes, she was plugging Cause Celeb and was very polished and amusing (has her answers down pat). Very smartly, from a marketing sense, she said that Rosie and Bridget are the same and yet different. About BJD, a lot of the same: -RZ's accent is good, gained weight and worked at her publishers -flack re: an American playing a Brit (reverse of Vivien Leigh) -gave over work on script because authors are too close and Richard Curtis & Co. are good at what they do -has done well in test screenings in London and NY -they've done a great job

From the Times fashion column (bit boring actually, and nearly OT but here goes): "The actress Ren�e Zellweger has done what Bridget Jones never quite managed - she shed all the excess weight she gained for the role of Britain's most famous singleton. Seated at the shows next to Anna Wintour, Editor of American Vogue, she flashed legs more sinewy than a greyhound. In fact, the heaviest-looking things about her were her lips..." With a picture you couldn't identify her from...

Thanks, Karen, sounds like Helen did her usual great job. She always comes across as such a pleasant and engaging person, always says just the right thing in the right way. Sure, she anticipates what questions will be asked, but that's part of doing your homework and some of them can't even do that.;-) I hope she sells lots of books!:-)

She had her answers well-prepared. For the first, Matt Lauer asked how much of the book was based on her own experiences in Africa, and her answer began with "most people think that BJD was my first book but this was... blah blah....yadda yadda and then the answer." The book is in hardback ($$$). I've got the UK paperback. Wonder if/when the screenrights will be purchased. It does seem even more ideal for a movie than BJ was. Will probably even star Kate Winslet! ;-)

Does she look very thin on TV?

Is this the beginning of Bridget Jones publicity in England? Check out The Telegraph, the Features section index, has a notice: http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=rrrrrrrq&atmo=rrrrrrrq&pg=/etc/etchome.html Bridget Jones: The Inside Story Her life, her film, her future. Email your questions to the world's original singleton. Her answers, dictated to Helen Fielding, will appear here next month. The email address is: etletter@telegraph.co.uk ALSO, Feature has an article on Lisa Barbuscia. Maybe they are starting at the bottom of the cast listing. ;-)'I studied Method acting for a year and that was great - it gives you the tools to get to certain places that you can't naturally go.' http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/et?ac=000576481449931&rtmo=kCJJN3Yp&atmo=rrrrrrrq&pg=/et/01/1/31/tlisa31.html

Thanks, Karen! Now what can we ask Bridget? ;-)

testing (sorry)

Ok, here's my letter to Bridget. Dear Bridget: Am major fan of yours and have cheered your successes and suffered through your disappointments. Never has my empathy been more heartfelt than today upon discovery that some cruel Telegraph editor (in manner of Richard Finch, or similar) has placed you on the same page with ill-informed diatribe against Hillary Clinton. Our former First Lady has apparently committed these heinous crimes against the citizenry: 1. Failed to properly organize White House Easter egg hunt. (This is a shortcoming that someone like you who has served robin's egg blue soup to dinner guests can surely forgive.) 2. Failed to decorate White House in manner acceptable to much-lauded, finger-on-the-Yankee-pulse expert on down-home Americana, Isaac Mizrahi. (Apparently, Hillary's mother never took her to have her colors done, thereby rendering her clueless in this arena.) Though not yet discovered by the Telegraph, I have it on good authority that, like you and me, Hillary had been known to roll her worn clothes into balls. Worse, said balls were then stashed under four-poster in Lincoln Bedroom. At taxpayer expense! Imagine! As Mr. Darcy would say, "my faults by this calculation are heavy indeed." Speaking of Darcy, if you ever decide to toss aside Mark, could you possibly toss him my way?

LOL! Wonderful Mari! Are you going to send it?

Ha! Was that what that article was about? Author was hooraying the return of Mamie? *rolling eyes* So have you submitted it?

Sheesh, Mari! And I just asked my rinky-dink questions! LOL! Love Isaac BTW. ;-)

I haven't decided if I'll send it or not; I'd have to polish it up a bit more--and I completely forgot to add in the part about her shameful wearing of pantsuits (which Bridget and I would appreciate, having wrestled too damn many times with pantyhose, the crotch of which stops mid-thigh;-) Not to mention pain of staying with man whose idea of fidelity would rival Daniel Cleaver's.;-) Anyway . . .was pleasantly surprised to walk into Encore Books today and see large display for Edge Of Reason . . .Bridget is back . . .gazillion weeks on NY Times bestseller list . . .soon to be a major motion pictue . . that sort of thing. (Weirdly enough, Cause Celeb was sitting by its lonesome in the corner.)

Bridget Jones: The Inside Story Her life, her film, her future. Aha! Her *future*. I hope she has one. I think that, assuming BJD does well, there's no reason why we couldn't have a sequel! And I wonder if Helen will give us the continuing story of Bridget and Mark (perhaps moved to the US!). Weren't some of the Daily Telegraph episodes about BJ and MD in LA? Anyway . . .was pleasantly surprised to walk into Encore Books today and see large display for Edge Of Reason . . .Bridget is back . TEOR sold very well in paperback in the UK....and with all the publicity for the movie, it should do even better in the States. Good publicity for CF as well!

I sent Elliott Forrest of A&E's Breakfast With The Arts a note asking to have Colin on the show again when he's here to promote BJD. His reply is below. It couldn't hurt to have more of us write in. His e-mail address is: Elforrest@aol.com (Frankly, I'm still holding out hope for the Today Show or Leno, but we will take what we can get.;-) Does anyone have Oprah's e-mail? Every once in a while, she'll do a show on an upcoming film and its cast, and the BJD subject matter is right up her audience's alley! *********** Hi Mari, We'll see what we can do to get him. Elliott Forrest A&E

Good publicity for CF as well! That's if anyone notices and doesn't just think this is some unknown young British writer. I don't think we can rely on CF to point this out to the US. We shall have to rely on NH, or perhaps HF, to do it for him.

Mari we are on line together! Re an A&E interview, could you add a note to Elliott Forrest asking him to ensure that, if they do get Colin for another interview, he makes sure his interviewee sits on his hands and leaves his nose alone:-)

LOL! Aw, then the interview will lose all its charm. ;-)

if they do get Colin for another interview, he makes sure his interviewee sits on his hands and leaves his nose alone:-) Allison, you may as well ask him to keep his mouth shut. ;-)

LOL to all the above! Thanks ladies! if they do get Colin for another interview, he makes sure his interviewee sits on his hands and leaves his nose alone:-) When I watched the interview, I nearly got up and smacked the screen! "Don't do that, Colin." (Had similar feelings when watching my son play violin in the school orchestra and he fiddled with his music stand so much that it finally fell over). Brilliant letter, Mari!

Elliot Forrest comes through.They're getting Jennifer this Spring for DFL. Charlie Rose would be a good one for CF too. I dunno know if he's ready for Letterman or Leno.I'm afraid he'd freeze up .

I'd like to see him talk to Barry Norman (on Sky) in the UK, but I think I'd be rather nervous for him if he appeared on any of our chat shows....they're either very silly and frivolous, or pitched at the level of confident and polished entertainment. Barry Norman just asks sensible straightforward questions about the actual film. I agree with you Evelyn about Letterman and Leno.... I'd nominate Hugh Grant!

Love the idea of e-mailing Oprah, Mari. Can you imagine Colin and Oprah? Plus, what a bonus for our dear Karen. Does anyone have her e-mail address?

Here's the place to submit ideas for future shows: http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_reach_suggest.html I have submitted something today, emphasizing, among other things, the need to have Colin on (his casting being integral to the entire film) and requested to attend the taping too. But I think we should stagger our emails. We don't want it to look like an organized mass mailing. OK?

(Bethan)I'd like to see him talk to Barry Norman (on Sky) in the UK, but I think I'd be rather nervous for him if he appeared on any of our chat shows.. Doesn't Mirella Folstrup have a show on BBC? Hey, she's a piece of work. She tackled Colin in the lobby of the FP premiere. Then there's that insipid couple on "This Morning". And that outrageous "Late Lunch" (Belch)

Ok, you people in later time zones: Entertainment Tonight has on a First Look at BJD! Need I tell you who is *not* in it? They show two scenes; in one, BJ looks like she's pondering which pair of underwear to put on, going back and forth between sensible beige cottons vs. black & lacy, and in the second, she is wrestling on the floor with Hugh Know Who--seems like he's trying to remove the panties. She's wearing a slinky black dress, he a suit. BTW, they have replaced the CF & RZ pic on the Miramax website with a pic from the wrestling scene I just described. It went too quickly for me to get a tape in--and my son was playing his sax (very ill indeed!;-) so I couldn't really hear the dialogue, but I hope someone else can fill us in!

After careful reviewing of the video, this is what I think appeared and was said: Bob Goen says: Golden Globe winner RZ has an underwear crisis in her new movie. Scene � Daniel & Bridget on the floor, his hands begin lifting her dress Daniel: These�are�for me absolutely enormous pants. Bridget: mouths/gasps ??? Shit BG: An intimate moment between Renee and HG is haunted by a poor wardrobe decision in this exclusive 1st look at BJD, the much anticipated film adaptation of the best selling novel. Daniel: I�m sorry, I have to take another look. They�re to good to be true. Bridget: Noooo ... (and struggling to keep her dress down) Daniel: They�re nothing to be embarrassed about. I�m wearing something quite similar myself. Bridget: Noooo ... (giggling) BG: The diary is unlocked April 13th.

I think we'll all have to grit our teeth and accept that BJD will be promoted as an RZ/sexy Hugh movie, and the guy who actually gets the girl will provide the surprise ending! :-( Wonder who'll feature in photo coverage of the premiere? Odds on RZ arriving with HG, or RZ alone (the new singleton),or HG re-united with Liz Hurley! BTW I should think there's a pretty good chance that Prince Charles will attend the premiere in the UK, in aid of the Princes Trust.

(bethan) I think we'll all have to grit our teeth and accept that BJD will be promoted as an RZ/sexy Hugh movie Tee hee, maybe not. A post from another list: "Went to the movies tonight and in the lobby I saw for the first time a poster advertisement for BJD. You'll be glad to know that Colin's name comes before Hugh's on the advertisement. Unfortunately no picture of him, just Renee." Well, at least not a pic of HG either! :-)

Thanks, Marianne, for the details and Mari for the heads-up even though I missed it A poster in the lobby...and with CF's name first? Was this in the US? Gaaah! I want one of those. Must be misprints. ;-)

Was this in the US? Freetown, Massachusetts!!! NEW AWARD FOR RENEE: The American Film Marketing Association has added an awards show to its annual movie showcase. The group's honorees aat the ceremony Feb 22 will include arnold Schwarzennegger for is world wide box-office success, Renee Zellwegger for acting achievements in

(CONTINUED) in NURSE BETTY....The ceremony will coincide with the group's 21st annual film market Feb-21-28 during which about 400 movies will be screened for distributors, producers and others in the industry." Way to go Renee!!! NB was my fave film this year!! ( I know, I have low-class taste...;-)

I think Colin Firth is ahead of Hugh Grant simply because of the alphabetical order. RZ gets top billing because she is the title character.

Marianne, thanks for the transcript. Good work. I like the "much anticipated film adaptation" part. I'm sure they'll have more in the weeks ahead. I'm thinking it was probably a snippet from the trailer. *Commence game of trying to guess which films the trailer might be showing with.* And I used to laugh at the kids plunking down their 8 bucks just to see the Lord Of The Rings trailer!:-) And the poster is popping up? Wonder if it's the same one we've seen, but that one had CF's name third (though in highly visible position above RZ's head;-) Good excuse to haunt the cinemas this weekend, and perhaps carry out poster featuring beloved in manner of Nurse Betty/Greg Kinnear.:-) Karen, I like the idea of staggering the Oprah e-mails; will send something to them on Monday. Allison, I was LOL at your stage instructions; maybe I should also ask Elliott to do the interview himself instead of sending Kimberly/Timberly/Bimbo-ly? from last time. Remember the fit of giggles and the burying of head in lap? Well, I shouldn't be too hard on her; the poor woman was obviously besotted with him and, honestly, who could blame her? Bethan, you voiced my long-standing nightmare of Liz H. showing up at premiere, hogging spotlight from the more deserving!:-(

(Lassie)I think Colin Firth is ahead of Hugh Grant simply because of the alphabetical order. RZ gets top billing because she is the title character. "Joy-killer" ;-) (Mari) I like the idea of staggering the Oprah e-mails; will send something to them on Monday. I'll do Tuesday.

According to a UK website icshowbiz.com, "Gabrielle's new single "Out of Reach" has been chosen as the theme tune to the new film BJD, due out in April". You can get the whole story if you click on "movie news" and then scroll down the page.

Gift of the Gab Feb 2 2001 By Jessica Callan, Eva Simpson and Polly Graham, 3am, The Mirror She's been through her fair share of heartache and pain, so who better to provide the theme tune for the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary than Gabrielle? The pop diva's new single, Out Of Reach, has been chosen for the movie, which stars Renee Zellweger and is due out in April. Gabrielle tells us: "I looked for the part of the book that spoke to me personally. It's where she's betrayed by the person she thinks is the man of her dreams when he cheats on her. Betrayal - I know about that!" http://icshowbiz.ic24.com/emusic/dartistsa2z/50322/page.cfm?objectid=7504645&method=full

From an article promoting The Claim in The Scotsman about Shirley Henderson, who plays Jude: Further evidence of her talent is on its way in three films due for release this year - as a Paris maid in Villa des Roses by the Belgian director Frank van Passell, a Wild West prostitute in The Claim by Winterbottom, and as a Chardonnay-swigging pal of Ren�e Zellweger in Bridget Jones�s Diary. She is currently working with Winterbottom again on 24-Hour Party People, a film about the heady days of the Manchester record label Factory, and wading through a mounting in-tray of scripts. "It�s nice but it�s a bit weird," she says. "You hardly have time to read some of the scripts. I don�t know how actors who are doing really well cope with it. They must have people to read for them, I suppose." [...] This is one reason why she prefers lighter roles, as in Topsy-Turvy, and more recently in Bridget Jones�s Diary when she had "fabulous fun" with other members of the cast. The latter may prove to be her biggest box-office success - considering Helen Fielding�s novel sold millions, the producers (Working Title Films) are the people who gave us Four Weddings And A Funeral, and Bridget�s paramours are played by Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Can read the rest here: http://www.arts.scotsman.com/cfm/film/headlines_specific.cfm?rankuniqueid=226

Abstract of Wall St Journal's review of Cause Celeb: Helen Fielding's novel 'Cause Celeb' was published in 1994 before the worldwide success of 'Bridget Jones's Diary and tells the tale of another young woman attempting to cope with her job and love life. Rosie works for a publishing house and has a television personality for a boyfriend, but comes to question the glittering facade of her life. She goes to the fictional African country of Nambula and returns to London to organize a benefit concert with the celebrities she used to hang out with. Somewhat lacking the wit she gave Bridget, there is little of the humor of her later novels and the book falls rather flat. Note to self: check Friday's paper.

Gabrielle tells us: "I looked for the part of the book that spoke to me personally. It's where she's betrayed by the person she thinks is the man of her dreams when he cheats on her. Betrayal - I know about that!" Oh, hea-a-vy stuff. Hope the theme tune is more cheerful and bouncy! Somewhat lacking the wit she gave Bridget, there is little of the humor of her later novels and the book falls rather flat. I have a feeling that Helen may have to give Bridget another outing...it can be difficult to find another winning formula. "It�s nice but it�s a bit weird," she says. "You hardly have time to read some of the scripts. I don�t know how actors who are doing really well cope with it. They must have people to read for them, I suppose." . CF seems to be coping! :-( Can't help but compare these remarks with CF's recent comments about just wanting interesting work and being happy to "haunt the margins" whilst other actors take the gravy. Blame it on the "oh, he's just a wet shirt" syndrome? BTW thanks for all the responses to the "wet shirt" question over at #134...I agreed with all the opinions expressed, and very well expressed they were, too!

thanks for all the responses to the "wet shirt" question over at #134 Is #134 closing down, then? ;-)

You're going to hate this, but we have to take into consideration, HG was there... Popcorn has transcribed RZ's answer to a question from the Golden Globes' pressroom, following her winning the award, about working on BJD. If you click on the link at the end, you can see it with Real Player. The transcription is pretty close. Ren�e Talks 'Diary' Ren�e Zellweger is well aware how much press attention has surrounded her role as the star of 'Bridget Jones' Diary', and she tells Popcorn she's keeping her "fingers crossed" that British audiences will like her. Speaking at the Golden Globes ceremony, the actress says she was attracted by the role because she "really wanted to try and see if I could do it. It was an amazing opportunity to do this complete transformation in this character. It was a gift, I never thought that they would think of me for that particular part." She goes on to say she's hoping audiences will like her performance, adding, "If I'm not thrown from Tower Bridge in the spring, then we'll know." Zellweger got to work with Hugh Grant on the project, who she reveals was "for many years my prototype male... right after Paul McCartney." 'Bridget Jones' Diary' is released in the UK on April 13. Click here to watch Ren�e Zellweger talk about the movie. http://www.popcorn.co.uk/multimedia/video/realvideo/renee_zellweger.ram

Another placed item, with nothing new, in the Evening Standard from Feb 1. It's all about the weight gain: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/top_review.html?in_review_id=356797&in_review_text_id=301523

Just heard that Gabrielle's new single which is being used as the theme tune for BJD is to be released on Monday 9th April.- sorry forget what it is called.

"Hugh Grant on the project, who she reveals was "for many years my prototype male... right after Paul McCartney." I don't think P McC is so hot looking....I'm just as glad she didn't lump Colin in that.Obviously didn't see P&P.Thanks Karen.

There's a pic of Bridget (and just Bridget) in Disney's annual report. Shows her at a doorway, wearing a white scarf on her head, sunglasses, a short denim jacket over a pink top and whitish bottom. She's carrying a large duffle bag. Will scan this in later, after I finish voting AGAINST Disney's entire Board of Directors and granting additional shares to be given to undeserving management and FOR the rationale shareholder's proposal. ;-)

(Mari, re: Ent Tonight) I'm thinking it was probably a snippet from the trailer. All their 'First Looks' are. Sorry I missed it and sorry CF wasn't mentioned :-(. I had a feeling he'd be passed over in the US, a la SiL. Apropos to last week's discussion about CF possibly doing chat shows in the US, this is a likely clue that he won't be figuring prominently in the film's publicity...at least not at first. Will keep my eyes open for more sneak peeks on ET and clone Access H'wood (though they're on simultaneously where I live). (Karen) after I finish voting AGAINST Disney's entire Board of Directors and granting additional shares to be given to undeserving management Wot? Isn't there another small country Michael Eisner needs to buy? ;-)

Hi, there Just saw this, nothing's new though: BJD Pictures

(Karen) There's a pic of Bridget (and just Bridget) in Disney's annual report. Shows her at a doorway, wearing a white scarf on her head, sunglasses, a short denim jacket over a pink top and whitish bottom. She's carrying a large duffle bag. Now how the heck did I miss this when I was reading through the report over the weekend? Guess I was too diverted checking out how Michael planned to put a positive spin on Go.com :-). Will have to go back and re-read the Miramax section to look for the truly important info!

I'm late in catching up with all of you, but the reading was fun. On the subject of Colin Firth on US talk shows, Elliott Forrest is a classy guy, besides who could turn down the oppurtunity of an artsy breakfast. My favorite to interview CF would be Charlie Rose, because Rose really bothers to talk to his interviews. The problem is it's not a highly watched show. Lots of people watch Oprah, so a good oppurtunity for exposure. Do audience members still get ask questions on her show? There's also Rosie O'Donnell and Regis and whomever. I don't watch most talk shows. I learn about them from one of my co-workers. I catch "Breakfast With the Arts" and Charlie Rose on a semi-regular basis. If CF is on Oprah; I'll set the VCR. Mari, how old is your son and does he play the alto sax? Good luck to him in his musical endevours.

(Jana2) Now how the heck did I miss this LOL! I didn't notice it at first either stuck way under the big one from Chocolat and that horse movie. Here's the pic from the Disney annual report: The caption is: Bridget Jones's Diary, based on the popular novel, will star Renee Zellweger and be released in spring 2001. Mark: was this one of the scenes you watched?

How did you know, Karen? Yes, it is. This is my scene ... it MUST be in the film, oh it must ... hrmph, not that I care, of course ...

*hee hee* Wild guess. Bridget's "going-on-minibreak" scene. Now we'll know precisely where to look for you, Mark. BTW, I've heard from other sources that a BJD teaser trailer (described in detail by Marianne) is actually showing in cinemas in the UK, and there is some sort of advert tie-in with Max Factor and Bridget in magazines (???). Time to go to a movie, people.

Thanks Karen... Renee looks pretty "zoftic"..!! OK Mark....get ready for the fan mail ;-)

There's pic of RZ walking her dog in this week's People. She's wearing slacks and a baggy top, but looks v.v. thin. Item talks about her GG win and says she is starring in the upcoming movie BJD with...someone else. ;-)

(Evelyn) Renee looks pretty "zoftic"..!! *heehee* It looks like she has a pair of really big.....sunglasses. =8-D

BJD trailer is online! Go to: http://entertainment.msn.com/