The analysis has begun with a vengeance as to a) why the Academy has chosen this morning as its latest Oscars telecast hosts the handsome young duo of James Franco (32) and Anne Hathaway (28), and b) whether or not this will help make the moribund program relevant again to younger audiences.

Here at FishbowlLA, we have our own take on this bold choice away from the usual stand-up comic, late night talk show host and Social Security nipping candidates. In no particular order:

- Given that the Oscar telecast usually feels like it lasts about 127 hours, and that watching it sometimes induces the feeling that you would rather gnaw off an arm than sit through till the end, Franco is imminently well qualified.

- Since many attending divas wear Prada, parking Hathaway on the red carpet beforehand for a couple of quick Q&A’s would seem like a perfect, synergistic way to get younger eyeballs to tune in. Especially if Meryl Streep happens to walk by.

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USA Today published these stunning images from Tim Burton‘s upcoming film ‘Alice in Wonderland’, currently set to hit theaters on March 5, 2010. Wowza.

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“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” lead the nominations in the top categories for the 66th Golden Globe Awards, chosen for drama, actor, director, screenplay and score.

“Frost/Nixon,” “The Reader,” “Revolutionary Road” and “Slumdog Millionaire” rounded out the pics in the drama category, chosen by the 80-plus members of The Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.

In the dramatic acting categories, Leonardo DiCaprio, Frank Langella, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Mickey Rourke received noms among actors, while Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and Kristin Scott Thomas were singled out in the actress category.

“Wall-E” received three nominations, including best animated feature and best song and score in the music categories.

The Globes are considered a bellwether for the Academy Awards. Awards are scheduled to air Jan 11 on NBC from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

FILM

BEST FEATURE – DRAMA
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“Frost/Nixon”
“The Reader”
“Slumdog Millionaire”
“Revolutionary Road”

BEST FEATURE – COMEDY
“Burn After Reading”
“Happy-Go-Lucky”
“En Bruges”
“Mamma Mia!”
“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

ACTOR – DRAMA
Leonardo DiCaprio – “Revolutionary Road”
Frank Langella – “Frost/Nixon”
Sean Penn – “Milk”
Brad Pitt – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Mickey Rouke – “The Wrestler”

ACTRESS – DRAMA
Anne Hathaway – “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie – “Changeling”
Meryl Streep – “Doubt”
Kristin Scott Thomas – “I’ve Loved You So Long”
Kate Winslet – “Revolutionary Road”

More Nominations Below:

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