Once again Director, Writer, Actor and Producer Terry Gilliam has discussed his dislike for the Harry Potter franchise and why he is glad he decided not to do a film.  He also praises Alfonso Cuaron for his work on Prisoner of Azkaban.   He had previously called the franchise a factory.

On Gilliam’s and J.K. Rowling’s hopes, at one time, to do a Harry Potter movie together.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do a Terry Gilliam Harry Potter movie. Those movies are factory products. There’s so much weight and pressure from the boys and girls in the head off that you’re truly inhibited in what you can do. Alfonso Cuaron did the best job on those movies, really pushing it when it came to what he was showing you, not JUST the book.
“I’ve never been very good at working for other people. But I’m totally exposed. I don’t have anybody to hide behind when things don’t work out. It doesn’t seem to be my lot in life. My lot is banging my head against walls and climbing mountains of my own making.”

As we know, Harry Potter was up for 3 People’s Choice Awards; Favorite Movie, Favorite Screen Team and Favorite Franchise. It was beaten by Twilight for all three.

All i have to say about that is: EWW!  Well we all know that Harry Potter is better, so that is all that matters, right?

The “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” film has been chosen as a finalist in the Achievement in Visual Effects category for the 82nd Academy Awards.  Fifteen semi-finalists were narrowed down to the following seven who are in contention for the award:

• “Avatar”
• “District 9”
• “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”
• “Star Trek”
• “Terminator Salvation”
• “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”
• “2012”

On Thursday, January 21, all members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 15-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, the members will vote to nominate three films for final Oscar consideration.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Good Luck Half-Blood Prince!

Marie Claire has posted a list of Emma’s 10 Best Style moments on their site.  Here are the top 10 looks, and links to my other site, Sassy with guides on how to get the looks (haven’t done some of them yet)!:

1. Today Show Appearance in 2009
2. David Letterman Show Appearance in 2009
3. The Tale of Deperaux premiere in 2008
4. Chanel Pre-Fall Fashion show in 2007
5. National Movie Awards in 2008
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince London Premiere in 2009
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince photocall in 2009
8. Arriving at The David Letterman Show in 2009
9. BAFTA Awards in 2009
10. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince New York Premiere in 2009

Thanks to my friends over at HP4U we have THREE new behind the scenes photos from the Weasley set for Deathly Hallows. See them here in the gallery!

The photos are of:  the back of Fleur and Bill, the entrance to the wedding tent and some of the food!

ABC Family is having yet another Harry Potter weekend!  Here is the schedule, check your local listings to be sure of the times.

Saturday

• Prisoner of Azkaban – 8:00pm

Sunday

• Prisoner of Azkaban – 4:30pm
• Goblet of Fire – 7:30

Also on abc family this weekend, that you may be interested in, are The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Eragon.