Mo'Nique Says She Was 'Blackballed' In Hollywood After Oscar Win

February 19, 2015, 1:11 pm

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When Mo'Nique won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 2010's "Precious," it wasn't the career turning point she had expected. While winning an Oscar is typically a boon to a performer's profile, the offers all have since dried up.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 47-year-old actress claims director Lee Daniels recently said that she's been "blackballed."

According to the actress, Daniels told her that she "didn't play the game." Daniels wouldn't clarify what exactly that means, but it might have something to do with her refusal to campaign during awards season, and her controversial acceptance speech.

Mo'Nique went on to say that she also lost out on big roles, seemingly without explanation:

I was offered the role in 'The Butler' that Oprah Winfrey played. I was also approached by "Empire" to be on "Empire." And I was also offered the role as Richard Pryor's grandmother in [Daniels' upcoming Pryor biopic]. Each of those things that he offered me was taken off the table. [Laughs] They all just went away. But that's just part of the business, you know? I can't be upset at anybody, 'cause life is too good. It's just what it is.

In response to her comments, Daniels released a statement to THR:

Mo'Nique is a creative force to be reckoned with. Her demands through "Precious" were not always in line with the campaign. This soured her relationship with the Hollywood community. I consider her a friend. I have and will always think of her for parts that we can collaborate on, however the consensus among the creative teams and powers thus far were to go another way with these roles.

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Jaime King Pregnant With Second Child

February 19, 2015, 2:11 pm

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Jaime King is pregnant!

The "Hart of Dixie" star is expecting her second child with husband Kyle Newman, she announced on Instagram.

So excited to announce THE SEQUEL Coming later this year!! ... #BabyTown2 - Created by @kyle_newman and @jaime_king. Also starring #JamesKnight

A photo posted by Jaime King (@jaime_king) on Feb 19, 2015 at 11:34am PST

King, 35, and director Newman, 38, are already the proud parents of 1-year-old James Knight.

King recently opened up about her struggle with infertility to People, revealing that she had five miscarriages, five rounds of in vitro fertilization and 26 rounds of intrauterine insemination before conceiving James naturally.

“I was hiding what I was going through for so long, and I hear about so many women going through what I went through," King, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis, said. "If I’m open about it, hopefully it won’t be so taboo to talk about it."

Congrats to the happy family!

Crib loving with my number one Valentine! #JamesKnight shot by @jamiebelzowski

A photo posted by Jaime King (@jaime_king) on Feb 14, 2015 at 2:17pm PST

Ready for Their Close-up: 4 Hometown B&B's of Oscar Nominees

February 19, 2015, 2:25 pm

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Since the film awards season is well under way, it's a great time to discover a little bit more about some of our favorite nominees. While meeting them in person seems pretty unlikely, you can still walk in their footsteps -- so to speak -- with a visit to the hometowns they hail from. Here is a roundup of a few to consider checking out, and checking into, with no designer dresses or tightly tailored tuxes required.

In Foxcatcher, funnyman Steve Carrell transforms both physically and emotionally to play eccentric millionaire John du Pont. Historic Concord, MA, where Steve was born, has also undergone plenty of changes throughout the years, yet its spirit of warm hospitality hasn't altered -- especially at Hawthorne Inn. It features seven vibrant rooms, all with private baths, telephones, CD/DVD players, bathrobes and wireless internet access, as well as lots of literature, ancient artifacts, artworks and antique furnishings for guests to enjoy.

There may be controversy surrounding American Sniper, but we can't deny Bradley Cooper gives a top-notch performance. Born in the City of Brotherly Love, this native son makes his Philly-area fans very proud. Another exceptional performer in the category of hospitality is The Lafayette Inn in Easton, a perfect Philadelphia weekend getaway that's just two blocks from Lafayette College and 20 minutes from historic Bethlehem. With loads of activities ranging from mule-drawn canal boat rides to colorful visits at the Crayola Factory, this inn makes an ideal home base with its 18 guestrooms complete with private baths and antique furnishings.

Born by the Bayou, Southern belle (previous Oscar winner) Reese Witherspoon is New Orleans' first daughter of drama. In Wild, her character's journey of self discovery endures numerous bumps and bruises -- to her body and soul -- so there is no doubt she would definitely enjoy a stay at Terrell House Bed & Breakfast. This three-story, Italianate-stucco-over-brick mansion, located in the center of the Garden District (one of the oldest sections of the city), was built in 1857. In the Main House, guests can relax on porches and balconies framed in cast iron, as well as the classic courtyard with fountains and lush vegetation. Period English and American antiques merge with modern amenities to provide ageless elegance alongside total comfort.

Julianne Moore's powerful portrayal of a college professor who learns that she has developed early-onset Alzheimer's disease is a career-defining performance in "Still Alice." Her strength should come as no surprise to her supporters, however, since her birthplace is Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Located in nearby Fayetteville, Gloria and Edgar's B & B is a charming inn that is just as memorable. It features four guestrooms with comforting amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV and wireless internet. In addition, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards are available. There is also ample meeting space on-site, a garden gazebo with garden patio and BBQ grill and a cozy common room with couch, chair, TV and fireplace. Guests start the day with hearty breakfast. They can also indulge in a unique massage therapy experience too.

The Powerpuff Girls Are Officially Coming Back In 2016

February 19, 2015, 2:45 pm

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It's a good day for justice.

The hit cartoon "The Powerpuff Girls" is now coming back in a brand new reboot, according to Cartoon Network. The Emmy-winning series originally debuted in 1998 and followed the crime-fighting adventures of super-heroines Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. This new series is set to air in 2016 and will bring on "Adventure Time" animator Nick Jennings as executive producer.

The girls, who always make sure to save the world before bedtime, briefly got back together in 2014 for the special "Dance Pantsed. The special reunited the original voice actors and also brought on Ringo Starr as a guest.

Cartoon Network did not immediately respond to HuffPost Entertainment's request for further comment on the reboot; this post will be updated if and when one is received.


Image: Giphy

'Smash' Star Krysta Rodriguez Diagnosed With Breast Cancer At Age 30

February 19, 2015, 2:53 pm

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"Smash" actress and Broadway star Krysta Rodriguez has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 30-year-old actress made the announcement on her new blog, ChemoCouture, where she revealed she was diagnosed in September 2014 with the “Cadillac of tumors” — but she’s not letting it get her down.

Harris Wittels, 'Parks And Rec' Executive Producer, Found Dead At 30

February 19, 2015, 6:14 pm

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Harris Wittels, co-executive producer of NBC's "Parks and Recreation," was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Thursday. TMZ was first to report the news, which was confirmed to The Huffington Post by a spokesperson for Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

In a statement to The Huffington Post, a Los Angeles Police Department representative said the 30-year-old was found by his assistant at around 12 p.m. PT on Thursday. The cause of death is not yet determined, and will be decided by coroner.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, police responded to a call to Wittels' home for a possible overdose.

Wittels had spoken about his battle with drug addiction in the past, and had been to rehab twice.

In addition to "Parks and Recreation," which ends it series run next week, Wittels also worked on series such as "Eastbound And Down," and "The Sarah Silverman Program." He is also credited with coining the term "humblebrag," a type of boast disguised in modesty. He published a book in 2012, "Humblebrag: The Art Of False Modesty," based on his Twitter account.

Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden Lead Singer, Treated For Tongue Cancer

February 19, 2015, 8:36 pm

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Bruce Dickinson, lead singer of Iron Maiden and owner of one of the most distinctive voices in heavy metal, is being treated for cancer on his tongue, according to a statement on the band's official website.

Dickinson, 56, was diagnosed with a small cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue during a routine checkup just before Christmas. He has since completed a seven-week course of chemotherapy and radiology, according to the statement.

"As the tumor was caught in the early stages, the prognosis thankfully is extremely good," the statement said.

Iron Maiden is known for its relentless touring and has a series of concerts scheduled starting in May. However, those dates could be in jeopardy. The statement said Dickinson should have the all-clear from his medical team in late May, but added that "it will then take a further few months for Bruce to get back to full fitness."

The band promised another update by the end of May.

"Bruce is doing very well considering the circumstances and the whole team are very positive," the statement said.

Dickinson has been nicknamed the "Air Raid Siren" for the power of his voice and his ability to hold notes at the high end of his range, often adding his trademark vibrato to his vocals.

He's also known for his unique talents outside of music. He's a skilled fencer, helped develop "The Trooper" beer named for one of the band's songs, and is a pilot with a commercial license.

Dickinson has been known to fly the band's Boeing 757, Ed Force One, while on tour. When not on tour, he piloted commercial flights for Astraeus Airlines until the company's 2011 collapse.

He also flew a replica of the Red Baron's plane in a recreation of a World War I dogfight.

Last year, he launched his own aviation company, Cardiff Aviation.

Stephen Colbert's Silver Beard Just Made Our Week

February 20, 2015, 11:52 am

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Everyone is talking about the "Colbeard."

Stephen Colbert debuted a Silver Fox look at nonprofit U.S.-Ireland Alliance's annual Oscar Wilde Awards, which honors Irish contributions to film and television, at J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot production studio in Santa Monica Thursday. The former Comedy Central host, who is usually clean-shaven, looked dramatically different sporting a full beard of white and gray hair.

"My wife has gotten used to it now. At first she wasn't sure who this man in bed with her was," he told E! News about his new facial hair. "She likes it OK, so I guess I'm OK with it."

And who could blame her?

He looks distinguished.



Dapper.



Dazzling.

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Jimmy Kimmel's 'Unnecessary Censorship' Confirms That The Weather Lately Has Been Bleeping Cold

February 20, 2015, 11:54 am

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Newscasters and television personalities have the dirtiest mouths, if we're to believe Jimmy Kimmel's latest "This Week in Unnecessary Censorship," his regular nod to the FCC. Meteorologists can't stop cursing about the weather, reporters swear about the Oscars and even the Westminster dog show commentators drop some bombs!

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" airs weeknights at 11:35 EST on ABC.

Jason Biggs Won't Be On 'Orange Is The New Black' This Season

February 20, 2015, 11:57 am

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See ya later, Larry. Jason Biggs confirmed in an interview with the New York Daily News that he won't appear in the next season of "Orange Is The New Black."

"They’re not focusing on Larry at the moment," Biggs told the paper. "Larry will not be in Season 3. But there’s always a possibility he can come back.”

Biggs has played Larry Bloom, Piper's (Taylor Schilling) now-former fiancée since Season 1. The couple broke up after Piper got back together with her former lover, Alex Vause (Laura Prepon), in prison. Larry also had a love affair with Piper's best friend, Polly (Maria Dizzia).

A Netflix rep did not return HuffPost Entertainment's immediate request for comment.

Ryan Phillippe Is Glad You'll Finally Get To See His '54' Gay Kiss Scene

February 20, 2015, 12:57 pm

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Ryan Phillippe says he's looking forward to a planned digital release of the director's cut of "54" because it will restore, among other things, a steamy kiss between him and co-star Breckin Meyer that was left on the editing room floor.

“There was a part of us that was a little sad nobody ever got to see it,” Phillippe told New York Magazine's Vulture of the same-sex kiss which, in case you've forgotten, would have been included in a 1998 film years before "Brokeback Mountain," "Milk" and other Hollywood blockbusters that feature gay love scenes ever hit cinemas.

That fact is not lost on the 40-year-old actor, who played Studio 54 "It Boy" Shane O'Shea in the movie.

“We did something that was relatively bold for two young male actors, and we took pride in the places that the original story went," he added. "So, it’s nice that people finally get to see Breckin and me kiss."

Low-quality footage of the kiss made its way online in 2013, five years after writer-director Mark Christopher's original cut of "54" played to a sold-out crowd at New York's Outfest. For the screening, about 45 minutes of footage (including the aforementioned smooch between Phillippe and Meyer) were added back into the movie, which bombed at the box office in its initial release in 1998 and currently has a 13 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

That version, Philippe added, "captures the freedom" of the late 1970s and early '80s, the time period in which the movie is set, but also "the impending sobriety that would come with AIDS. It resonates.”

Phillippe had previously expressed his regrets over the final version of the film in a 2010 interview with The Advocate's Brandon Voss, noting that he had been "against the changes that were made because I feel like there was a better movie there to begin with."

"We thought we were making something like 'Boogie Nights' because it was about a time of complete sexual abandon, but the studio watered it down," he said at the time, calling the original cut "more edgy and honest."

Abbi Jacobson And Ilana Glazer Do Micro-Impressions On 'The Late Show'

February 20, 2015, 1:01 pm

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Little did you know, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer are dope impressionists. The "Broad City" stars joined David Letterman on "The Late Show" on Thursday night, and debuted their quick and to the point impressions. Glazer took on Nicki Minaj at a diner, and Jacobson channeled Rose from "Titanic." Trust us, you'll LOL.

'Parenthood' May Be Over, But Mae Whitman And Lauren Graham Are Best Friends Forever

February 20, 2015, 1:09 pm

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When Mae Whitman dropped by HuffPost Live on Friday to discuss her new film "The DUFF," she confirmed what we've all known for a long time: "Parenthood" is the source of many, many tears.

Whitman explained just how emotional the cast got during the final days on set of the NBC series, which came to a close in January.

"The magic that we were making and the stories we were telling and the ways we were all helping each other grow was so beautiful, and I mean, every time one of us was wrapping -- I've never cried so much in my life. I had to sleep for like four days afterwards because my eyes were just, like, bleeding at the point of no return at that point. It's really painful," Whitman said.

But the sadness is eased by the knowledge that she'll continue to hang out with the Braverman clan.

"Lauren Graham is my best friend, and Dax [Shepard] is my family, and Miles [Heizer], who plays my brother, he's my roommate, he lives with me in real life," Whitman said. "We bonded in this way that is so unlike anything I've ever experienced."

Whitman added that she's willing to share the love of Graham -- to an extent. When host Caitlyn Becker asked about Graham's other high-profile TV daughter, her "Gilmore Girls" co-star, Alexis Bledel, Whitman shared a fun bit she and Graham have developed about one another's various fictional families:

We do have a funny thing where we get really jealous about each other's parents and children. I'll be like, "Oh, I saw Alexis called. That's cool. How is she? She's well? Oh, that's nice." And she'll be like, "Yeah, I saw you and Allison Janney [who plays Whitman's mom in 'The DUFF'] had a drink the other night." And I'm like, "Yeah, it was great. She says hello." We have this sort of fake jealous thing.

Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation with Mae Whitman.

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This Oscar Dress Infographic Makes Hollywood's Diversity Problem Painfully Obvious

February 20, 2015, 1:20 pm

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For people who love fashion, there are few events more exciting than the Oscars. Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year guarantees the most epic red carpet moments.

So when an infographic came out last year showing the dresses worn by every Best Actress winner since 1929, it was exciting to say the least. Big Group, the company that created the infographic, took it one step further. The company added more dresses, plus an interactive element, letting viewers filter by actress, decade, age, designer and color.

Looking closer, it's obvious that the infographic is missing something. While the dresses appear in myriad colors, the actresses are just one: white.

Big Group described its selection criteria on its website: "We selected actresses that had won Best Actress Oscar, appeared at least 7 times at the awards and over a period spanning decades. There are some actresses who couldn't quite make the cut due to time and budget (sorry, Sandra Bullock) but I hope to add more at a later date."

Those strict guidelines, of course, make it nearly impossible for any women of color to be included. Halle Berry, who won Best Actress for her role in "Monster's Ball" in 2002 has attended the 68th, 70th, 74th, 75th, 77th, 81st, 83rd and 85th Academy Awards, making a total of eight shows spanning from the '90s to today.

Whoopi Goldberg, who has been a Best Actress nominee and a Best Supporting Actress winner for her role in "Ghost," hosted the ceremony four times. Lupita Nyong'o nabbed the Best Supporting Actress award for "12 Years A Slave" in 2014 and Penelope Cruz took home the same award for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2009. If they did something so small as to include Best Actress nominees or Best Supporting Actress winners, the infographic would be (a bit) more diverse.

The fact that white women make up the entire list speaks to the broader issue of diversity in Hollywood. The 2015 Oscars will be the least diverse ceremony since 1998, meaning it's the first time in two decades that not at least one black, Hispanic, Latino, Asian or Iranian actor has been nominated in any of the four acting categories. Additionally, not a single female director, cinematographer or screenwriter is nominated.

This infographic not only reminds audiences about Hollywood's diversity problem, but makes it impossible to ignore. While only a select few have the power to decide who does and does not get nominated, it is necessary for everyone to acknowledge talent regardless of color.

HuffPost Style reached out to Big Group for comment and will update accordingly.

Patti Smith In Conversation With Kristen Stewart

February 20, 2015, 1:21 pm

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Even in close-up, with her eyes the color of Caribbean shallows filling the screen, Kristen Stewart seems to be hiding -- or at least trying to.

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In Middle Of Time Inc. Overhaul, People And Entertainment Weekly Reportedly Begin Merging Staff

February 20, 2015, 1:48 pm

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People Magazine and Entertainment Weekly have officially begun merging staff as part of a larger restructuring plan for Time Inc., according to a report from the New York Daily News.

Inside sources told the Daily News that a staff memo sent in early February detailed the changes, stating that People and EW would remain as separate titles while strengthening collaboration. Sources told the newspaper that staffers had been “hearing and whispering about it for months."

“People and Entertainment Weekly can both benefit if the titles share more resources and work more closely together," Jess Cagle, editorial director for People and EW told The Huffington Post. "I’ve been looking at ways to do that for the past year, but make no mistake; they will always remain two distinct brands with two distinct audiences.”

The news comes just a few weeks after Matt Bean was ousted as editor of Entertainment Weekly after less than one year at the job.

Several internal staff changes would suggest that such a meshing of magazines is occurring. Following Bean's departure, Will Lee, former editor of People.com, was named digital editorial director of both People.com and EW.com, according to a memo sent by Time Inc. CEO Joe Ripp.

The move also follows several recent staff shake-ups at the helm of Time Inc., with Teri Everett leaving the company after her position as executive vice president of corporate communications was eliminated. According to an internal memo obtained by Poynter, the company switched from "five separate communications structures to three" in February, naming Susan Parkes as overseer of communications efforts for People and EW.

Time Inc. began a massive round of staff layoffs last year ahead of its spinoff from Time Warner. An estimated 500 staffers were expected to lose their jobs at the time. Last month, Sports Illustrated (also owned by Time Inc.) laid off its entire photography staff as part of a plan to "restructure various departments."

On Tuesday, Entertainment Weekly's online editor Kyle Ryan tweeted and posted a picture on Instagram of his sudden departure from the company.

"At least you don't accumulate much when you work for a place for only 10 months," he wrote.

At least you don't accumulate much when you work for a place for only 10 months.

A photo posted by Kyle Ryan (@kyleryan347) on Feb 17, 2015 at 2:20pm PST

Emma Watson Dating Prince Harry Is The Best Piece Of Fanfic We've Read Today

February 20, 2015, 1:53 pm

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England's Prince Harry (the handsome redhead about to become fifth in line to the throne once his sister-in-law Kate Middleton gives birth to her second child) has apparently found love with everyone's favorite "Harry Potter" star-turned-UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson.

This wonderful piece of fan fiction comes from Australia's Women's Day, who has dreamt up a universe where the two gorgeous Brits are having "secret dates with each other and are getting to know each other quite well."

The tabloid has crafted a tale in which the prince had a mutual friend set him up with the 24-year-old actress, and followed up with an email that said he would “like to get to know her." While the pair went on a group date with 12 other pals they apparently "hit it off," and now Harry is just "smitten."

As far as fairytales go, we'd love nothing more than for this one come true, however, we're pretty certain we're going to have to settle for watching Watson in the live-action version of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," because this pairing only exists in your dreams.

One Of The Most Popular Shows On Television Ended In The Weirdest Possible Way

February 20, 2015, 2:34 pm

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Have you ever left hell and then gone back? I have. In 2011, I decided to binge-watch every single episode of "Two and a Half Men." One hundred seventy-seven episodes. Seventy-five hours. In a row, without sleep. And I succeeded.

'How To Get Away With Murder' Exposes Just How Dangerous Gender Stereotypes Can Be

February 20, 2015, 2:57 pm

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This piece and video contain spoilers for Thursday's episode of "How to Get Away with Murder."

"How to Get Away with Murder" has never shied away from addressing weighty topics. Thursday night's episode was no exception, as "HTGAWM" took on the way ingrained ideas about gender can be used to justify acts of sexual violence -- and silence victims.

The episode's emotional center rested on Annalise's relationship with her mother, Ophelia, played by Cicely Tyson. During a heated conversation where Annalise brings up the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of her uncle, Ophelia says, "Men were put on this planet to take things. They take your money, they take your land, they take a woman and any other thing they can put their grabby hands on. That's men. Women? We're made to give love, to nurture, to protect, to care for."

Her words echo popular notions about the "inherent" differences between men and women which, besides being scientifically unsound, are often used to justify the inevitable nature of sexual violence against women. According to the lore, men are naturally aggressive and violent. Women, the more submissive sex, need to take precautions to protect themselves from these uncontrollable male actions. It's the same line of thought that upholds approaches to sexual assault prevention, which put the onus on women to prevent assault, rather than on men not to rape (something that simultaneously makes it even more difficult for male victims of sexual violence to come forward).

But instead of accepting her mother's outlook on the world, Annalise immediately laughs in her face: "What have I ever nurtured? What have I ever protected, cared for or loved?"

In the world of "How to Get Away with Murder," where characters of different genders, races and sexualities all have their own unique mixes of aggressiveness, docility, confidence and fear (just like real human beings), Ophelia's comment rings obviously false. Annalise isn't naturally nurturing -- just as men aren't naturally, unavoidably violent.

The episode goes on to address the suffering caused by a culture that is built around these damaging belief systems. Annalise still experiences the psychological and emotional fallout of her childhood sexual assault, which was never acknowledged by her family (let alone a court). And though by episode's end, Ophelia discloses that she took justice into her own hands, she initially frames the assault as just another part of life to quietly accept.

"Men take things," she says. "They've been taking things from women since the beginning of time. No reason to talk about it and get all messy everywhere."

By "talking about it" on network television, "How to Get Away with Murder" exposes the gaping holes in the point of view that sees men not as agents of sexual violence, but as victims of their supposedly wayward nature. Putting stock in the idea of innate male aggressiveness only stifles both female and male victims of sexual assault into silence.

Last-Minute Oscar Predictions To Hold You Over Until Sunday

February 20, 2015, 2:59 pm

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After months of campaigning, prognosticating and hand-wringing over the lack of diversity, the big show is almost here. We'll have a brand new batch of Oscar winners on Sunday, but there's still time to make your final guesses for who will take home the gold.

We've already taught you how to sound like you know a lot about this year's nominees, but if you need a little extra help in predicting the winners, HuffPost Live has you covered. Host Ricky Camilleri spoke Friday with HuffPost Entertainment managing editor Christopher Rosen, Hollywood Reporter awards analyst Scott Feinberg and film critic Zeba Blay to get their tips for taking home the prize in your Oscar pool.

Sign up for Live Today, HuffPost Live’s morning email that will let you know the newsmakers, celebrities and politicians joining us that day and give you the best clips from the day before!