Tom Hanks on Acting and "Charlie Wilson's War"

Actor Tom Hanks has been nominated for a Golden Globe award as best actor in a comedy or musical for his portrayal of US Congressman Charlie Wilson in Charlie Wilson’s War. Most of the reviews of the movie have indicated that Tom has managed to give another remarkable performance in the film, but Hanks has grown into such an incredible actor that most of us expect him always to nail the role right on the head.

His co-star, Julia Roberts, plays Joanne Herring, a Houston, Texas, socialite, talk show host and political activist in the film.

When asked how it was to work with Hanks, Roberts, who had never worked with Hanks prior to Charlie Wilson’s War, said, “He’s Mister nice guy, but he’s more than nice. He’s interesting and truthful and amazing.”

“He’s (an) incredibly honest person. So I think that, you know, transcends his work and his art in every way. So, in that way, you sort of really have to bring an authentic game (to your role).”

Hilary Angelo, when talking about a hot tub scene that she appeared in with Tom, said he “never made any sort of remark…never even looked at me below the neck. So I never felt uncomfortable. And in between takes we got to put our own clothes on.”

Jud Tylor, who was also in the same hot tub scene, said “I was wearing a little gold ‘80s bathing suit. Tom Hanks…needed to appear naked in this scene so he was wearing a nude sock. And it was actually the first day of shooting in the first scene.”

“It was a very surreal experience sitting next to Tom Hanks for him to wearing a nude sock and for me to be sure I never had to avert my eyes.”

The video is Tom Hanks explaining his role in Charlie Wilson’s War.



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George Clooney Fights Genocide As He Is Nominated for Golden Globe

While most of Hollywood was excited about the release of the nominations for the Golden Globe awards, George Clooney, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for best actor for his starring role in “Michael Clayton,” was in Rome receiving an award of a different sort.

Clooney, along with fellow actor, Don Cheadle, received the Peace Summit Award for their tenacious work in bringing the World’s eye toward the genocide occurring in the Darfur area of the Sudan.

"Don and I are here today to speak for those voices that can't be heard over the sound of the violence. We're here to plead for help," said George at a news conference in Rome.

The 8th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates presented the award to Clooney and Cheadle at a ceremony in Rome.

Clooney, who is the son of Nick Clooney, a reporter, further said, "I'm the son of a journalist. And I understand that freedom of speech doesn't give you the right to run into a crowded theater and yell FIRE. Unless of course there is one.”

“There is a fire!"

Clooney also encouraged the United States to appoint a high level envoy to pursue peace talks in Darfur.

George told USA Today that celebrities have a responsibility to go beyond oneself and look out for others. "In some ways, it's easier for us because we have some financial security, so we can say, 'OK, let's stop worrying about ourselves and look out for other people.'"

The 46-year-old Clooney made a jab at Ms. Britney Spears when he said, "What should you do with all this kind of attention? Should you get out of a car without wearing underwear?"

Clooney plans to make his second trip to Darfur in January saying he will “try to get some cameras in to the tougher camps and have conversations. That's basically all I can do. If you put famous people in front of very ugly sites, people will watch."

The following is a humorous video that Clooney and Brad Pitt created for a presentation honoring Julia Roberts at the 22nd Annual American Cinematheque Awards, which was presented on the AMC channel on Wednesday night.



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