Pat Sajak Pulling for Trebek to Win Emmy ... What's 1 More Loss for Me???

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PULLIN' FOR ALEX
TMZ.com

Pat Sajak says he doesn't mind losing another Emmy to the late, great Alex Trebek -- not only because Alex deserves it, but also ... Pat's learned to lower his expectations.

We got the legendary "Wheel of Fortune" host Wednesday in Bev Hills, and asked if he'd be cool with Trebek taking home top honors at this year's upcoming ceremony. Fact is, most see Alex as a shoo-in ... for his talent and for being the sentimental favorite.

Not too surprisingly, Pat told us he was more than fine with that ... because, honestly, what else is the guy gonna say? But, he took it a step further and echoed what Wayne Brady recently told us ... explaining he was actually rooting for AT, like most everyone else in the biz.

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HE WAS THE BEST
TMZ.com

Now, when we pointed out the obvious -- namely, that Pat has lost to Alex in the game show host category for many years now -- he jokingly acknowledged it too ... comparing himself to soap opera star Susan Lucci, who was passed over for a Daytime Emmy a whopping 19 times before winning.

Like we said, PS seemed to mostly be kidding here, but he did promise to give us a HUGE scoop ... about his retirement!!!

Chill, it isn't happening anytime soon, but watch what he told us about where you'll hear about it first. Pat Sajak wouldn't lie to us, would he???

Morgan Wallen 'Enough is Enough' Billboards Go Up ... 'Loyal Fans' Want Him Back!!!

A group of loyal Morgan Wallen fans believe he's been punished enough since casually dropping the n-word back in January ... so they're deploying a new round of billboards to protest the country music biz shunning him.

The fan-funded billboards went up in Nashville this week, spearheaded by a woman named Darleen Ingram, and the message is pretty simple -- "The Fans Are Speaking / Enough Is Enough."

The timing of the 7 new billboards coincides with the CMT Music Awards, which air Wednesday night. Wallen's been banned from the awards and didn't receive any nominations.

That's apparently not sitting right with his loyal fans, as their billboards add ... "Music Industry, We Want to Be Heard!"

The billboards also reference the Bible verse Mark 11:25, which says ... "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

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PROFANE GOODBYE
TMZ.com

We broke the story ... someone in Wallen's neighborhood shot video of him using the n-word after a night out partying with his friends, and the fallout was pretty swift. He was dropped by radio stations and his talent agency, suspended by his record label, and banned from several award shows.

However, his popularity still soared and he even managed to win awards at events from which he'd been banned. Morgan apologized and promised to work on bettering himself and stayed out of the public eye for months ... before returning to the stage last month.

Clearly, his loyal, billboard-funding fans want more Morgan ... and they're demanding country music let him back into the party.

Wayne Brady Rooting for Trebek to Win Emmy for Game Show Host ... He Set the Bar!!!

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HE WAS THE BEST
TMZ.com

Wayne Brady is incredibly honored to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy alongside Alex Trebek ... but losing to him? Well, that'd be one helluva honor too.

We got the "Let's Make a Deal" host in Times Square, and wanted to get his 2 cents on being nominated alongside the late legendary "Jeopardy!" host for outstanding game show host.

Wayne, always the total gentleman, couldn't help singing Alex's praises.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Wayne said the fact Alex got nominated posthumously speaks volumes ... calling him the consummate professional and the kind of host who was smooth and always in control.

There are some other notable nominees ... like Steve Harvey for "Family Feud," Alfonso Ribeiro for "Catch 21" and Pat Sajak for "Wheel of Fortune." Wayne says there'd be no shame losing to any of 'em, but losing to Alex? Well, he did set the bar after all.

Alex was nominated almost 7 months after he passed away following his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite announcing the diagnosis in March 2019 ... Alex continued hosting into his 37th season.

He's won 6 Emmys for outstanding game show host. If Alex gets his 7th, you can bet Wayne will applaud along with fans.

Jay-Z I Have Big Love for DMX ... That's Why I Boycotted Grammys

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ONE OF THE GREATEST
The Shop: Uninterrupted/HBO

Jay-Z had mad love for DMX, despite their fierce competition ... and he felt this way for years.

Jay was on the season premiere of "The Shop: Uninterrupted" with LeBron James and Maverick Carter, and talked about years past when he boycotted the Grammys after X was overlooked for a single nomination, despite having 2 #1 albums in 1999. Jay won his first Grammy but was a no-show as a way of standing with X.

As Bad Bunny, WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike and SpringHill CMO Paul Rivera looked on, Jay recounted his relationship with DMX.

Jay went down memory lane, remembering his first meeting with X at a Bronx pool hall. He paid homage to his friend, saying he became a better rapper by watching X perform.

22 years after Jay boycotted the Grammys, a lot HASN'T changed. As you know, The Weeknd was shut out of the Grammy noms, despite having a huge year. He got his revenge at the Billboard Music Awards, winning 10 pieces of hardware.

The Weeknd Keeps On Winning ... Eat It, Grammys

It might be time for The Weeknd to invest in a new mantel -- he continues to rack up awards, despite the Grammys snub ... this time taking home the most trophies at the iHeartRadio Awards.

Abel was the winner of 3 pieces of hardware Thursday night -- including the coveted Song of The Year and Top Male Artist awards -- for his single, "Blinding Lights," and album "After Hours." The 3 wins tied him with BTS for the most of the night.

The singer was humble in accepting, thanking his team and his fans ... but you gotta imagine the last couple weeks have brought him great vindication after leaving the Grammys with goose eggs.

Fans and fellow artists were outraged when "After Hours" was snubbed. Abel vowed to never submit his work to the Recording Academy for Grammy consideration again, accusing "secret committees" within the org of getting it wrong.

However, just last week, the singer was validated when he took home 10 trophies -- the most of any artist -- at The Billboard Awards.

By the way, he also showed off his singing chops at iHeart with newly-married Ariana Grande, the two performed their version of "Save Your Tears" ... and of course, the crowd ate it up.

Drake Son Bursts Into Tears on Stage ... As Dad's Crowned Artist of the Decade

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STAGE FRIGHT
NBC

Drake's 3-year-old son clearly has dad's knack for big moments -- he made an unforgettable night at the Billboard Music Awards even more memorable by getting emotional on stage.

The hip-hop star cemented his spot as a legend Sunday night as he was named Artist of the Decade, and his little boy, Adonis, took the stage with him to accept the award ... to give it an adorable boost.

As Drake spoke to the celeb-stacked crowd at the Microsoft Theater in L.A. about dedication to his music and using his fear to fuel improvement, his son hugged his legs pretty tight.

But, as Champagne Papi was closing his speech, Adonis seemed to have had enough and started walking away ... only to get picked up by Drake and start crying as his father dedicated the award to him.

As we first told you ... Drake's mother, Sandi, was also in attendance to watch him win the huge award Sunday night, which previously went to Mariah Carey in the 1990s and Eminem in the 2000s.

Drake and friends celebrated his win at SoFi Stadium -- home of the L.A. Rams and Chargers -- after the show ... and there was a massive message on the big screen.

Eurovision Song Contest Winner's Alleged Drug Use Debunked ... Party On, Maneskin!!!

The lead singer of the music group that won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest did NOT use drugs live on air during their celebration ... according to an official investigation.

As we told you ... Damiano David of the Italian band Maneskin -- which took top honors at the singing competition -- was accused of snorting a bump of cocaine after video showed him lowering his head toward a table where the group was gathered.

However, the European Broadcasting Union that organized the event says it conducted a review of the footage and facts -- while also claiming David took a voluntary drug test that came back negative, and determined ... "No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed."

The EBU added that "inaccurate speculation leading to fake news" tarnished this year's event and unfairly impacted Maneskin ... which the organization congratulated again for winning and wished them success.

As we reported ... David claimed the reason he was looking down by the table in the video clip was because a bandmate had broken a glass, and insisted to reporters he doesn't do drugs.

Looks like he's been vindicated.

Marv Albert Announces Retirement ... After 55 Years

Legendary NBA announcer Marv Albert -- the "voice of basketball" -- is stepping away from the mic ... with the Hall of Famer confirming his retirement at the end of the 2021 season.

79-year-old Albert has been calling games for 55 years -- spending 22 years with Turner Sports. He's called 25 NBA All-Star Games, 13 NBA Finals and the 1992 Olympics, covering the iconic "Dream Team."

He's also worked at 8 Super Bowls and Stanley Cup Finals ... as well as NFL games, horse racing, tennis, baseball and more.

Albert will be signing off one final time after the conclusion of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals ... with TNT set to air a 30-minute tribute in his honor.

"My 55 years of broadcasting the NBA has just flown by and I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful and talented people," Albert said Monday.

"Now, I’ll have the opportunity to hone my gardening skills and work on my ballroom dancing."

Albert -- known for his signature "YES!" catchphrase -- kickstarted his career with the New York Knicks in 1963 and went on to work with NBC Sports and CBS Sports as well, before joining TNT in 1999.

Albert was honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997 ... and has a stuffed trophy case with numerous other awards for his work.

NBA commish Adam Silver praised Albert ... saying, "There is no voice more closely associated with NBA basketball than Marv Albert’s."

"My first memories of the NBA were of listening to Marv call a game with his signature style, iconic phrases and unparalleled passion. From his remarkable run as play-by-play announcer for the Knicks to his prominent national roles calling our marquee games on NBC and Turner Sports, Marv has been the soundtrack for basketball fans for nearly 60 years."

"We congratulate him on a Hall of Fame career that is simply unmatched.”

Golden Globes HFPA Rolls Out Detailed Plan ... After NBC Dumps Show

UPDATE

3:15 PM PT -- HFPA has responded to NBC putting their award show on the shelf for a year, and it looks like the move lit a fire under their ass -- 'cause they've got a way quicker (and excruciatingly detailed) timeline on what they're going to do to shape up ... and exactly when.

UPDATE

The org says, "Regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes, implementing transformational changes as quickly -- and as thoughtfully -- as possible remains the top priority for our organization." They add, "We invite our partners in the industry to the table to work with us on the systemic reform that is long overdue, both in our organization as well as within the industry at large."

UPDATE

Starting this week, HFPA will begin the process of adding 20 new members (presumably all of whom will be BIPOC) by August ... and increasing their membership by 50% in 18 mos. By the end of May, HFPA is aiming to hire a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant, a bunch of other execs, roll out a new code of conduct and train their members up ASAP.

UPDATE

Come June, they're planning to review new bylaws with an independent firm they're bringing on, and also form a new credentials committee ... while sending out ballots to vote on these changes. In July, they're hoping all the new bylaws will be adopted and all the changes will go into effect -- and when August rolls around, they want to admit their new class of HFPA members. There's A LOT to do, but HFPA wants everyone to know ... they're on it.

Looks like there will be one less award show next year ... NBC just axed the 2022 Golden Globes because of a lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

The network announced its decision to cut ties with the Golden Globes Monday, citing the need for "meaningful reform" at the HFPA, which is stirring outrage in Hollywood due to a lack of people of color among its members.

NBC says it won't air the Golden Globes in 2022, but the network's leaving the door open for the award show's return in January 2023, as long as the HFPA follows through with a new plan to increase membership among POC.

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LET'S DO BETTER
NBC

Remember, the HFPA -- a non-profit made up of international journalists who put on (and vote for winners of) the Golden Globes -- has been called out for reportedly having ZERO Black members for several years now.

The hosts of this year's Golden Globes, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, even raised the issue during NBC's February broadcast.

NBC's decision to ax the Globes comes the same day Tom Cruise reportedly returned his 3 Golden Globe trophies to the HFPA in a sign of protest.

There's been growing opposition to HFPA ... as we reported, Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson recently called on Hollywood to "step back" from HFPA, and the Globes by extension.

Meanwhile, the HFPA says it's planning to make sweeping changes ... like admitting 20 new members with a focus on Black recruitment.

NBC says change at the HFPA "takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right."

See ya in 2023?!?

Originally Published -- 12:25 PM PT

LaKeith Stanfield Accused of Enabling Anti-Semitism As Clubhouse Moderator

UPDATE

6:54 AM PT -- 5/8 -- LaKeith Stanfield tells TMZ ... "Yesterday I entered an online chat room on ClubHouse about the teachings of Louis Farrakhan. When the room’s participants noticed me, I was quickly made a moderator of this room. At some point during the dialogue the discussion took a very negative turn when several users made abhorrent anti-Semitic statements and at that point, I should have either shut down the discussion or removed myself from it entirely. I condemn hate speech and discriminatory views of every kind. I unconditionally apologize for what went on in that chat room, and for allowing my presence there to give a platform to hate speech. I am not an anti-Semite nor do I condone any of the beliefs discussed in that chat room."

LaKeith Stanfield's under fire for his involvement in a Clubhouse discussion about Louis Farrakhan's anti-Semitism that devolved into a cesspool of hateful conspiracy theories and comments about Jewish people.

The recently Oscar-nominated actor was a moderator for a discussion on the Clubhouse app Wednesday night, and although he's not accused of spewing any anti-Semitic speech himself ... many are outraged he did nothing to speak out against it either.

The Clubhouse discussion Stanfield was monitoring began when another chat -- titled, "Did Min. Farrakhan Tarnish His Legacy by Being Antisemitic?" -- got shut down by its moderator for becoming too inflammatory.

Instead of ending the convo, someone launched the second room titled, "Someone Ended the Room About Farrakhan" ... and that's where things got very disturbing, with one participant describing comments as "worse than things that I’ve read or heard about neo-Nazis saying."

When a Jewish woman in the room confronted Stanfield about why he was allowing the hate speech to continue unchecked, he skirted the issue and implied he was trying to remain neutral ... according to The Daily Beast.

For some people in the room that was inexcusable behavior from an influential Hollywood star with 79,000 followers on the Clubhouse app ... and they question his intentions.

Now, LaKeith did join another Clubhouse chat Thursday moderated by a panel of Jewish educators who wanted to address the hate speech they had witnessed ... and he admitted he fell short moderating.

He said if he continues to choose to be a moderator in a certain room, he needs to pay "attention to what is actually being discussed and determine if that’s a discussion that you really want to get into."

Stanfield also explained he lacked knowledge about "the origins of Judaism in Jewishness," but suggested he enjoys Clubhouse because he learns a lot from it.

He said ... "I've been in a couple rooms where a lot of s**t has been discussed and talked about, very heightened emotional states. It’s been very enlightening and interesting to me."

LaKeith's response was well-received within the room. Outside of it, however, you gotta wonder how a 29-year-old man didn't see the grossly anti-Semitic remarks for what they are ... hate speech.

Originally Published -- 5/7 -- 4:04 PM PT

Questlove One Regret DJ-Ing the Oscars ... I Wanted To Play Long-Winded Winners Off Stage!!!

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SWITCHING IT UP
TMZ.com

Questlove says he had the time of his life DJ-ing the Oscars over the weekend, but his one regret ... he couldn't shoo away winners who took forever with their acceptance speeches.

We got "The Tonight Show" band frontman heading into work Tuesday at NBC Studios in NYC and he told our guy he was ordered by Oscars producer Steven Soderbergh to stand down on playing any kind of wrap-up-your-speech music.

The famous DJ said compiling his walk-off music was one of the first tasks he completed when he got the gig ... but Soderbergh, one of 3 producers of the Oscars, foiled the plan.

That's too bad ... 'cause Questlove said his playlist was tight and a perfect sendoff to long-winded winners.

All good though ... Questlove says he's been going to the Oscars for a decade now and really enjoyed the new format. So much so ... he said he hopes it's the new normal.

There were some pretty cool moments (albeit scripted) ... like when Questlove played EU's classic "Da Butt" and got Glenn Close to play along and dance her ass off.

Classic.

Chadwick Boseman Please Don't Call it an Oscars Snub ... Bro Says Family Not Upset

Chadwick Boseman's family has a message for those saying the late actor got snubbed from an Oscar ... he was NOT snubbed, and shout out to Sir Anthony Hopkins for the win.

Chadwick's brother, Derrick Boseman, tells TMZ ... he doesn't view Chadwick not winning an Oscar for Best Actor as a snub because every nominated actor was excellent and deserving of the award. He says the family isn't upset or agitated whatsoever that Chadwick's name wasn't called at the end of the Oscars ceremony.

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FEELING SNUBBED
TMZ.com

What's more ... Derrick tells us the family wishes Hopkins and his family all the best because, as Derrick put it, "I"m sure [Anthony] would if Chad won." Don't forget ... after AH won the award for his role in 'The Father' his gracious message included a shout-out to Chadwick.

As we first reported ... a throng of celebs felt Chadwick got snubbed following his stellar performance on 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' ... his last role before he died. Model Winnie Harlow brought it up herself ... calling it "insane" Chadwick didn't get a statue.

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HONORING CHADWICK

Derrick says Chadwick wasn't one to put too much value on the Oscars anyway. Derrick says Chadwick "always described them to me as a campaign." That being said ... Derrick says, yes, an Oscar would have been an achievement, but was never an obsession.

Reggie Bush On Boseman's Oscar Snub Trophies Don't Define Legacy!!!

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LEGACY > AWARD
TMZSports.com

Chadwick Boseman's impact on and off the screen goes far beyond his trophy case ... so says Reggie Bush, who tells TMZ Sports the actor's posthumous Oscar snub doesn't define his legacy.

Many believe the "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" star was robbed of Best Actor honors at last night's Academy Awards ... with Anthony Hopkins winning for his role in "The Father."

We spoke with Bush about the results outside Spring Place in Beverly Hills ... and he makes it clear Boseman's body of work speaks for itself -- Oscar or no Oscar.

"It would have been nice to see him win, but it was great to see all the nominees get a shot," Bush tells us.

"Chadwick Boseman, he's a legend regardless. No matter if he wins or not. A trophy is not gonna validate what he did. The work he put in validates that."

It's almost as if Bush is reflecting on his own experiences -- the former NFLer forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy after an investigation determined he committed NCAA violations by receiving improper benefits.

Even though his name and image were scrubbed from USC's campus and record books, nothing will change the fact that Bush is easily one of the best -- if not THE best -- college football players of all time.

Taking all that into consideration, it's no wonder Bush isn't sweating Boseman's snub.

There's also another reason why Bush was watching the Oscars -- did you know Andra Day, who was nominated for Best Actress, is his step-sister?!?!?

IT'S TRUE!!! Check out the awesome exchange Reggie and his mom have with our camera guy when they drop that truth bomb!!

Brad Pitt Dissed at Oscars by 'Minari' Star Nice to Meet You, But ...

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WHERE WERE YOU?!
ABC

Brad Pitt's opportunity to announce an Oscar winner from a film he helped make ... turned into a bit of a diss on live TV ... courtesy of the Best Supporting Actress winner.

Yuh-Jung Youn won the category for her role in "Minari." We know, ya probably didn't see the film -- like many of this year's nominees -- but you'd have to believe Brad did ... because he produced it!!! However, Youn was clearly not impressed.

She gave Brad a shout-out that, whether intended it or not, played like a major diss. Youn said, "Mr. Brad Pitt, finally! Nice to meet you. Where were you when we were filming in Tulsa?"

The limited crowd at L.A.'s Union Station laughed at Youn's remark, perhaps thinking it was a playful flirtation ... and, who knows? Maybe it was an inside joke for the cast and Brad, one of their executive producers.

But, to the general Hollywood public, it seems like she was upset Brad wasn't more hands-on during filming. Anyway, Youn and Brad did get a chance to greet each other as she walked off stage. Check out the interaction ... seems like neither was too bent.

Ya know what they say, Brad -- no good deed ...

Susan Sarandon, Cynthia Erivo Go After Hidden Hospital Fees ... In Powerful Oscars PSA

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#PowerToThePatients
Power to the Patients

Susan Sarandon and Cynthia Erivo are planning to draw attention to a little-discussed issue they want people to know about during the Academy Awards ... hospital pricing transparency.

TMZ has learned a PSA is set to air Sunday during ABC's broadcast of the award show -- which will star the two Oscar-caliber actresses doing a spot for a campaign known as Power to the Patients ... a national org that fights for patient rights when it comes to this issue.

We got a hold of the ad early, and it looks like Suze and Cynthia are fully on board with the effort ... noting that hospitals across the country are required by law -- as of this year -- to give patients a full rundown of what their services cost ... BEFORE using 'em on folks.

Most people who've been to the ER or who've had long-term hospital stays know this nightmare all too well ... you're in there getting treated for whatever it is you need, and not long after -- you get a FAT bill in the mail that amounts to tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars you never knew you were agreeing to while being treated.

The whole idea here is educational ... basically letting people know they have a right to know going in, and not to be afraid to demand a hospital's staff to disclose that type of info.

It's a worthy cause, for sure, and one that'll definitely get eyeballs come showtime.