Awards / Awards Shows

Tyler Perry said it best at the 76th annual Golden Globes when he confessed the celebs in the room were just as drunk as they seem on TV -- and the pics of them partying are even more proof.

Okay, no one's puking at their table ... but people like Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Regina King, Adam Driver, Lady Gaga and Amy Adams were definitely feeling good. Check out the gallery to see Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, and Denzel Washington and Spike Lee having a blast.

It's traditionally the best part of the Golden Globes -- the fact that even if you aren't nominated, or don't win a Globe, it's just a cool party ... and you can see that in these shots.

5:45 AM PT -- Alison Brie responded on her Instagram Story posting a pic of the two from SAG Awards, saying, "Nothing but love for @chrissymetz !! Rumors can't keep us down!"

Chrissy Metz seems to have forgotten how a microphone works -- 'cause it sounds like she called fellow actress Alison Brie a bitch ahead of the Golden Globes ... but Chrissy says that isn't the case.

The 'This Is Us' star was being interviewed on the Globes' own Facebook Live pre-show by AJ Gibson and Missi Pyle when toward the end of their chat, AJ asked Chrissy if she knew who Alison was. Chrissy sarcastically responded, "Do I?"

AJ said Alison was on the other end of the red carpet, and as the camera panned to Alison with another Globes host ... Chrissy can be heard saying what sounds a lot like, "She's such a bitch." The audio fades out a bit as the line is delivered.

It's unclear if Chrissy was aware her mic had picked up the comment, but it doesn't appear Alison heard her as she didn't react. Chrissy commented on the news ... calling the "bitch" angle fabricated, and saying she adores Alison and would never say a bad word about her or anyone ... adding, "I sure hope she knows my heart."

It's odd though ... Chrissy doesn't clarify what exactly was said.

Alison has been nominated for her first-ever Golden Globe for her role in "GLOW" -- and Chrissy, of course, has been nominated a couple times already for her role on the NBC drama.

Weirdly enough ... they've posed together at events before, and there doesn't seem to be any surface-level bad blood between the two stars.

10:27 AM PT -- We've tried for 4 hours to contact the Motion Picture Academy to confirm the conversation Ellen recounted on her show -- that the Academy still wants Kevin to host the Oscars. No one has responded to our emails or taken our calls.

10:06 AM PT -- Ellen is now responding to the backlash, stating on social media, "However you feel about this, the only positive way through it is to talk about it. Thank you for being here, @KevinHart4real."

Ellen DeGeneres is being skewered on social media for reducing the criticism of Kevin Hart's homophobic comments to an attack by a small group of internet haters.

Kevin Hart is appearing on Ellen's show Friday, and DeGeneres launched a full-court attack on people who still have issues with Hart saying things like, "If my son comes home & try's 2 play with my daughters doll house I'm going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice 'stop that's gay.'" Hart also said in one of his comedy specials, "One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay."

DeGeneres seemed to say the gay community is fine with Hart's vague apology back in 2014 and his more recent post in 2018, in which he said, "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."

DeGeneres and Hart dismissed the critics as trolls, and she then doubled down and said it was Kevin's "right" to host the Oscars.

There's a huge backlash against DeGeneres for her defense and vicious attack on Hart's critics ... some calling it "a massive f***ing betrayal."

Hart called the criticism of him "a malicious attack on his character" where people went back to 2008 to dredge up his comments. Point of fact ... he made homophobic comments years later as well.

There are some who are outraged Ellen is putting herself out as speaking for the entire LGBTQ community, one person tweeting, "To Ellen. Unfortunately Mrs Ellen, this ain't your fight. The harm is done and this man hasn't learned."

Toward the end of the show, Hart suggested Ellen has made him rethink his decision to walk away from the Oscar gig, saying, “You have put a lot of things on my mind. Leaving here, I’m promising you I’m evaluating this conversation … Let me assess, just sit in the space and really think.”

Meeting Meghan Markle is apparently more difficult than breaking into Fort Knox ... even for fashion icons and some of the biggest stars in the world.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance at The Fashion Awards in London Monday night to present Designer of the Year, but all the excitement of her presence turned into disappointment for many ... because they couldn't get close enough to say hello.

Sources tell us Markle's area backstage at The Royal Albert Hall was cordoned off by Royalty Protection officers and security guards the whole night, as a tactic called "Royal Movement" was in place. It means when Meghan's on the move, all hallways and stairs have to be kept clear.

We're told several big stars at the awards show -- like Kendall Jenner, Rita Ora and the Beckhams -- were up in arms about the intense security ... because they were denied an audience with Megs.

There were a couple people who did get some face time, though -- actress Rosamund Pike, who co-presented with Meghan, and Clare Waight Keller ... who won the award Markle presented.

The trio even posed for some photo booth pics ... but that was it.

Other celebs in attendance included Kate Moss, Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman, Lana Del Rey, Winnie Harlow, Robert Pattinson, Saoirse Ronan, Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford and her daughter Kaia Gerber ... who won Model of the Year.

And, even the MoY didn't get a selfie with the Duchess.

We have a winner in Travis Scott and Tekashi69's battle for the top of the album charts -- and Billboard says it's Travis ... but admits it was ridiculously close.

A spokesperson for Billboard tells TMZ ... "In a historically close race, after a rigorous review of the process and the methodology by which the No. 1 ranking on last week’s Billboard 200 album chart was awarded to Travis Scott’s ‘Astroworld,’ we concluded that no correction was warranted.”

You'll recall ... Travis' album was named #1 for the last week in November, but then Nielsen -- which compiles the sales data for Billboard -- said there was some discrepancy that it believed opened the door for Tekashi's "Dummy Boy" to take the top spot.

In essence ... they demanded a recount.

Now, Billboard says there was no need for the recount, and is going with the original data.

Bottom line ... Tekashi loses again. As if his federal indictment and jailing wasn't bad enough.

Whoopi Goldberg thinks Ken Jeong should be the next person the Motion Picture Academy targets to host the Oscars now that Kevin Hart's out ... and Ken is totally down with it.

We got the actor/comedian Wednesday at LAX, where we asked his reaction to Whoopi's ringing endorsement -- in the aftermath of Hart stepping down after those homophobic tweets.

Thing is ... if they don't want him as host, Ken has some Oscar-related jobs he says are perfectly suited for him.

We gotta hand it to Ken ... he's got the classic Oscars acceptance speech down to a tee. Dude's already got us in stitches with his pitch, so imagine his material if he actually had time to brainstorm!

As Whoopi -- a former Oscars host, herself -- points out, Ken's a legit movie buff who would be the first Asian-American to host the Oscars. But, we're guessing the Academy will be more turned on by the fact Ken ain't worried about that skimpy paycheck.

Nick Cannon is praising Kevin Hart for not letting the Motion Picture Academy subjugate him.

We got Nick in NYC Tuesday night, and he was squarely on Kevin's side. As you know, Hart refused to follow the Academy's ultimatum to apologize for his homophobic comments ... or else.

Nick then addressed his comments about others who used the f-word and suffered no real consequences ... in particular Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer and Chelsea Handler. He says it is clear evidence of a double standard, although point of fact ... they weren't hosting the Oscars.

And, wait till you hear Nick's review of the United States of America ... harsh for sure.

Finding someone to replace Kevin Hart as the Oscars host is turning into a tall order, and not because of offensive tweets -- the real problem is money ... or the lack thereof.

Sources connected to the award show tell TMZ ... the infamously small paycheck for hosting the Oscars has been an underlying issue for the Academy for a long time. Jimmy Kimmel said he only got $15k for his services in 2017, and we're told most potential candidates are inclined to turn down the job because of that figure.

All the scrutiny and criticism that come along with it isn't helping either ... according to our sources. As to the money, we're told the Academy doesn't like to shell out for a host because they consider it the opportunity of a lifetime.

Of course, big names have taken it. Kevin didn't only accept, he was ecstatic about it before getting ousted for homophobic tweets.

Fact is, whoever fills the job now will have leverage to demand more money -- after all the Academy's kinda behind the 8 ball.

Tim Brown's 1987 Heisman Trophy has just been auctioned off ... and the winning bid was $435,000 ... TMZ Sports has learned,

Brown won the trophy during his legendary senior year at Notre Dame -- when he caught 137 passes for 2,493 yards and 22 touchdowns.

The NFL Hall of Famer had sold the trophy in a private sale in 2017 -- and the person who bought it consigned it to Goldin Auctions in New Jersey to be auctioned off.

The identity of the new owner has not been disclosed.

Brown's Heisman appears to be the most expensive Heisman ever sold at auction -- Rashaan Salaam's 1994 trophy sold in 2017 for $399k, Charles White's 1979 trophy went for $184k in 2000 and O.J. Simpson's went for $255k in 1999.

Goldin says Brown's trophy came with a letter of authenticity from Brown who confirms it's the real deal.

Oh, and if you're wondering why Brown was allowed to sell his award -- the Heisman Trust only began making winners sign a no-sell contract in 1999.

Stephen King thinks Patton Oswalt should be the next guy the Academy looks at to host the Oscars now that Kevin Hart's out -- but Pat's punting for some young blood.

We got the comedian and self-described movie buff Sunday at LAX, where we asked what he made of the horror icon putting Pat's name up for consideration -- in the wake of Hart's homophobic tweets. SK says Patton has all the necessary tools and knows film.

He's certainly a name that's been floated since the hosting gig opened up -- and everyone in Hollywood seems to have an opinion on who should get the job -- but he defers on himself ... and nominates Billy Eichner or Tiffany Haddish instead.

Check out the clip to hear why he thinks they're perfect options. Patton stopped short of saying it's because they'd represent women and/or the LGBTQ community ... but ya gotta think that's on his mind.

BTW, he still wants the gig for himself ... someday.

Nick Cannon thinks there's a double standard in Hollywood following Kevin Hart losing his Oscars gig ... and he's putting 3 white, female comedians on blast to make his point.

The "Wild 'N Out" host isn't happy about the backlash Hart got this week over old homophobic tweets that resulted in him stepping down as host of the Academy Awards, so on Friday he dug up some old tweets by Chelsea Handler, Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman that use similar language.

Cannon started by sharing a 2010 tweet from Handler in which she uses the homophobic f-word slur, commenting ... "Interesting, I wonder if there was any backlash here..."

Nick then posted a 2010 tweet by Silverman in which she called the new 'Bachelorette' a gay slur, and a homophobic 2012 tweet from Schumer, adding ... "I'm just saying... should we keep going???"

When another Twitter user told Cannon he should be auditing his own tweets, he responded ... "Nope!! You know I’ve been saying f**ked up s**t since twitter started! I don’t play that politically correct bulls**t! F**k politics!! Only Truth!"

Truth be told, in a 2012 tweet of his own, Nick wrote ... "If your best joke includes "gay" or "f****t" you should be kicked off Twitter this ain't the 3rd grade! #notaninsult #lackofcreativity"

So, perhaps he's justified on casting these stones.

Cannon's been a vocal supporter of Hart during this week's Oscars controversy, and it's obvious he thinks the comedian got a raw deal. As we reported, though, a lot of the backlash Kevin got was the result of him refusing to apologize initially ... but he did AFTER he stepped down as host.

Will he stay or will he go???

Dwyane Haskins says he ain't sure ... but did he just drop a massive clue??

Maybe ... 'cause the Ohio State QB -- who's out in NYC prepping for Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony -- told Adam Glyn ... "I'm pretty close to graduating."

Of course, most QBs facing the decision to stay in school or jump to the NFL put at least SOME weight on their degree when making the choice.

So, would Haskins finishing up his credits this year mean he's putting his name in the 2019 NFL Draft?

"I don't know yet," he says. "I gotta work it out with my parents and talk about it. I'm just enjoying the moment right now."

It wouldn't be the worst move for the redshirt sophomore ... 'cause most NFL mock draft experts have him pegged for the top half of the first round if he were to come out.

Michael Blackson's got a few interesting points about the fallout from Kevin Hart being chosen to host the Oscars, but he's certain, no matter what ... Kevin's gonna be just fine.

We got the comedian outside Boulevard3 in Hollywood Thursday night and asked about Kevin stepping down from hosting after being slammed for old homophobic tweets.

Blackson goes to bat for his buddy (they're back on good terms), telling us all black comics have said offensive things in the past -- even the legends -- and the Academy should have been well aware of that.

Blackson says the Oscars is just as at fault for this debacle, because it either offered Hart the job without looking up his past ... or ignored it. Either way, Mike feels Kev's response should have been enough to remedy the situation ... but no such luck.

The Ghanaian native also points out there was actually one perfect black comedian who never said anything wrong, and well ... look where he's at now.

Anyway, Michael's not worried about his friend ... because he says Hart's still rich and doesn't need the hosting gig.

Another reason for Mac Miller's fans to celebrate his life and music -- the late rapper just got his first ever Grammy nomination.

The Recording Academy announced Friday morning Mac Miller's "Swimming" is nominated for rap album of the year. The album's got hefty competition ... going up against Cardi B (Invasion of Privacy), Nipsey Hussle (Victory Lap), Pusha T (Daytona) and Travis Scott (Astroworld).

"Swimming" peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard charts when it was released back in August. It returned to the top 10 following his death in September.

TMZ broke the story ... Mac died from an accidental overdose.

"Swimming" got rave reviews, including from Rolling Stone which said Mac revealed "himself to be a sympathetic, even winning presence."

BTW, Mac wasn't the only artist to earn a posthumous nomination. Chris Cornell -- nominated 4 previous times -- is up for best rock performance. Chris died by suicide in May.

Count Kevin Kline among the people who was totally fine with Kevin Hart hosting the Oscars, because he thinks it's time to cut him, and all comedians, some slack for jokes from the past.

The Academy Award-winning actor was leaving Michael's restaurant in NYC Thursday when we asked what he thought about KH landing the gig. This was several hours before Hart backed out of hosting -- but KK defended him against the backlash over old, but blatantly homophobic, tweets.

The way Kline sees it, stand-up comics have been mocking all groups -- gays, blacks, Jews and more -- for decades. He admits times are changing now, and comedians are too, but he was willing to give Hart a pass on his past remarks.

As you know, Hart posted a video Thursday, claiming he had evolved since the offending tweets, but did not apologize for them. Hours later he stepped down, saying he didn't want to be a distraction -- and, at that point, he did apologize for his "insensitive words from my past."

BTW ... Kline's stance on jokes from days of old might not be that shocking considering his own "In & Out" role from 1997. Would this scene be kosher today?

Sean Penn busted out his sense of humor all over his pal Bradley Cooper ... just in time for Bradley's huge Hollywood achievement.

BC was honored with the American Cinematheque Award Thursday night at The Beverly Hilton. The star-studded dinner featured plenty of tributes from his fellow actors and collaborators, but Sean's stood out because it included a pretty funny stroll down memory lane.

Sean started off his toast by telling the crowd something felt strangely familiar about this scenario ... which led perfectly into a viral clip of Cooper -- from almost 20 years ago -- as an aspiring actor asking Penn a question on "Inside the Actors Studio."

To be fair, the clip Sean showed was slightly doctored -- in the original, he answers Cooper's question about "Hurlyburly" right away ... but still pretty hilarious.

Sean did praise Bradley and labeled him one "handsome motherf**ker."