Friday, January 2, 2009
The 33rd Saturn Awards' TV Honors
While "Superman Returns," the 2006 superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Superman, named the Best Fantasy Film at the 33rd annual Saturn Awards on Thursday May 10th, NBC's science fiction drama television series "Heroes" topped the TV categories.
The series, starring Golden-Globe-nominated American actor Masi Oka and actress-singer Hayden Panettiere just to name a few, was named Best Network Television Series with both stars given the title of Best Supporting Actor on Television and Best Supporting Actress on Television respectively.
Nabbed the Best Actor on Television award was Michael C. Hall of "Dexter," whereas the Best Actress on Television honor was secured by Jennifer Love Hewitt of "Ghost Whisperer." Matt Dallas, who plays the title character in the ABC Family television series "Kyle XY," also is among the many winners, took home The Rising Star Award.
The Saturn Award, presented each year by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, is aimed to honor the top works in science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film, television, and home video. Just like the other awards, the Saturn Awards are voted on by members of the presenting Academy.
Go directly to Saturn Awards for the complete list of the award winners.
The series, starring Golden-Globe-nominated American actor Masi Oka and actress-singer Hayden Panettiere just to name a few, was named Best Network Television Series with both stars given the title of Best Supporting Actor on Television and Best Supporting Actress on Television respectively.
Nabbed the Best Actor on Television award was Michael C. Hall of "Dexter," whereas the Best Actress on Television honor was secured by Jennifer Love Hewitt of "Ghost Whisperer." Matt Dallas, who plays the title character in the ABC Family television series "Kyle XY," also is among the many winners, took home The Rising Star Award.
The Saturn Award, presented each year by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, is aimed to honor the top works in science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film, television, and home video. Just like the other awards, the Saturn Awards are voted on by members of the presenting Academy.
Go directly to Saturn Awards for the complete list of the award winners.
Masi Oka Scores Got Milk? Ads
Masi Oka, who plays time-traveling Hiro Nakamura on the hit NBC show "Heroes," is the next celeb that scores the "Got Milk?" ads.
The ad, featuring Oka, reads "My hero? Think hard. It's milk. Some studies suggest teens who choose it instead of sugary drinks tend to be leaner, plus the protein helps build muscle. So grab a glass. Then you can change the future, too."
The ad will debut in select Marvel comics beginning September 1st later this year.
Oka, an actor and digital effects artist, isn't the only "Heroes" star to sport the milk 'stache in the Body for Milk campaign, co-star Hayden Panettiere is the other.
The ad, featuring Oka, reads "My hero? Think hard. It's milk. Some studies suggest teens who choose it instead of sugary drinks tend to be leaner, plus the protein helps build muscle. So grab a glass. Then you can change the future, too."
The ad will debut in select Marvel comics beginning September 1st later this year.
Oka, an actor and digital effects artist, isn't the only "Heroes" star to sport the milk 'stache in the Body for Milk campaign, co-star Hayden Panettiere is the other.
Masi Oka Has a Crush on Kristen Bell
In addition to the much-talked romance rumors of Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia, it appears that another love is blooming between another "Heroes" co-stars. Rumor has it that Masi Oka, who plays the role of Hiro Nakamura in the NBC series, has a crush on new co-star Kristen Bell.
During an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Friday September 21st, the Japanese-American actor was quizzed about possible romance between him and Bell, about which he coyly said "Kristin is an absolutely amazing individual both on and off screen. We're great friends. Everyone has a crush on her."
And when Ellen went on asking, "So you do have a crush on her?" the actor simply said, "Everyone does." So, "Is she a good kisser or not?" the talk show host kept on pressing him. "I'm sure she is," Oka replied briefly.
Bell, best known for starring in the title role on the television show "Veronica Mars," is joining NBC's "Heroes" cast for at least thirteen episodes, playing a mysterious character named Elle.
During an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Friday September 21st, the Japanese-American actor was quizzed about possible romance between him and Bell, about which he coyly said "Kristin is an absolutely amazing individual both on and off screen. We're great friends. Everyone has a crush on her."
And when Ellen went on asking, "So you do have a crush on her?" the actor simply said, "Everyone does." So, "Is she a good kisser or not?" the talk show host kept on pressing him. "I'm sure she is," Oka replied briefly.
Bell, best known for starring in the title role on the television show "Veronica Mars," is joining NBC's "Heroes" cast for at least thirteen episodes, playing a mysterious character named Elle.
'Scrubs' Off-Limit for NBC Stars Masi Oka and Sarah Lancaster
Due to respective commitments to the production house where their TV shows are under, "Heroes" star Masi Oka and "Chuck" actress Sarah Lancaster won't return as guest stars of "Scrubs". It has been months since NBC that own the right to "Heroes" and "Chuck" lost the sitcom "Scrubs" to ABC.
NBC officially ban Oka and Lancaster from recurring their roles in the series that will open a whole new chapter next year in spring. On the decision, "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence accommodates his disappointment, saying "They (Oka and Lancaster) wanted to do it, but NBC said no. Typical classy stuff," and adding "But (they) should not have been part of that fight. It felt kind of petty to me."
Oka played Franklin, a nerdy Japanese laboratory assistant who had his first appearance in first season while Lancaster portrayed Lisa, an attractive young blonde who ran the Sacred Heart Gift Shop in season 2.
The initial plan was to have all the stars to appear in the season finale of the upcoming season 8. Those guests already on board of the finale are Amy Smart, Nicole Sullivan and Tom Cavanagh. "It was very emotional," an industry insider told Entertainment Weekly. "It should be an incredible finale."
Lawrence once released a statement that the show will stem up to at least 9 seasons despite the main stars' departures. Zach Braff announced that he would end his participation at the end of the eight cycle and Judy Reyes hoped to continue works in feature films and on Broadway.
NBC officially ban Oka and Lancaster from recurring their roles in the series that will open a whole new chapter next year in spring. On the decision, "Scrubs" creator Bill Lawrence accommodates his disappointment, saying "They (Oka and Lancaster) wanted to do it, but NBC said no. Typical classy stuff," and adding "But (they) should not have been part of that fight. It felt kind of petty to me."
Oka played Franklin, a nerdy Japanese laboratory assistant who had his first appearance in first season while Lancaster portrayed Lisa, an attractive young blonde who ran the Sacred Heart Gift Shop in season 2.
The initial plan was to have all the stars to appear in the season finale of the upcoming season 8. Those guests already on board of the finale are Amy Smart, Nicole Sullivan and Tom Cavanagh. "It was very emotional," an industry insider told Entertainment Weekly. "It should be an incredible finale."
Lawrence once released a statement that the show will stem up to at least 9 seasons despite the main stars' departures. Zach Braff announced that he would end his participation at the end of the eight cycle and Judy Reyes hoped to continue works in feature films and on Broadway.
Kring, Oka talk Heroes
Series creator Tim Kring and Masi Oka talk about their Emmy nods, season two, and the upcoming DVD release of Heroes.
Even though Heroes is in its between-season break, the show has no problem staying in the spotlight during the long summer television drought. The breakthrough hit was one of the main focuses of last week's Comic-Con, trickling cast additions have kept the show in the headlines over the past few months, and the anticipated season one DVD is due out later this month.
NBC Universal hosted a lighthearted conference call with series creator Tim Kring and actor Masi Oka. Both were on hand to talk about the upcoming DVD and the show's Emmy nominations, which include a supporting actor nod for Oka as well as one of the top prizes, Outstanding Drama Series.
The first questions asked Oka about his character, the time-traveling and teleporting Hiro Nakamura. One of Hiro's trademarks is the grimace he makes when trying to activate his power.
"It's become such an iconic gesture that we continue to do it," said Oka. "There's more of it now." Though he once said it would give him a brain aneurysm to repeat the act over and over again, the "constipated look" will return in season two, but with slightly less tension as Hiro learns to master his power.
The idea for Hiro came to Kring when he was looking for a way to lighten the script for the pilot. In fact, Hiro didn't even exist in the first draft. Kring decided that he needed a character who relished his powers and embraced them in a very enthusiastic way, as compared with the other, more reluctant heroes.
"Hiro embodied the everyman," said Oka, commenting on his thoughts when he first read the script. "And how we all dreamed as a kid of being a superhero."
The subject then turned toward George Takei, the Star Trek icon who plays Hiro's dad. Oka praised working with the veteran actor, and even launched into his Takei impression that Takei told TV.com about a month and a half ago. Kring also said that viewers can look for "another face that will have a very similar impact to George Takei for the real genre fans," but is holding out on the surprise cast addition.
Both were very honored and surprised to see Heroes nominated for so many Emmy Awards. "We're up against very stiff competition, like The Sopranos. It feels like that's the one to beat," said Kring. "This is a show that many viewers dismissed early on as a fantasy show, or a genre show, or a sci-fi show, and those kinds of shows aren't always associated with critical acclaim or awards. For a show like ours, I think it's very important [to be nominated] because it stamps the show with a certain mark of quality that will attract more viewers."
Oka said that he and Zachary Quinto, who plays the head-carving villain Sylar on Heroes, had planned to hang out and stay awake all night in order to watch the Emmy nominations live at 5:30 a.m. Unlike Kring, who talked himself out of thinking Heroes may get an Emmy nomination, Oka had a good feeling the show would be nominated.
"We were going to stay up all night, but we fell asleep," said Oka. "But we had a really nice wake-up call."
Kring does feel a bit of pressure to keep up the success of the show, but not because he's trying to outdo season one. "It's not pressure to top it, it's pressure to keep it going," said Kring. "This particular show has become a show that is defined by its ability to defy expectations... That's the difficult part, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of people's expectations."
The two then plugged the DVD release, which is set for August 28. The seven-disc set will include the uncut pilot that was shown at 2006's Comic-Con, episode commentary, and 50 deleted scenes. There will also be an HD-DVD release, with interactive games and more.
Talk then turned to a touchy subject--the season two villains. Even with the media's pressure, Kring didn't want to give anything away about the big bad guys that will be appearing. "The audience can expect to see him [the new villain alluded to toward the end of season one] in the first run of episodes," said Kring--implying that the new bad guy will show up in the first 11 episodes--but couldn't divulge any further. "We literally haven't cast the character yet." (For fans keeping a timeline at home, Heroes is currently filming its fifth episode of the second season.)
Now that viewers are more familiar with the characters, season two won't have the same storyline-crowded episodes as season one. "We can afford to concentrate on fewer storylines per episode," said Kring, "so some characters will be left out of particular episodes."
Finally, the two were asked about something no one was ready to talk about--a Heroes movie. "There has been no real discussion about it," said Kring.
Even though Heroes is in its between-season break, the show has no problem staying in the spotlight during the long summer television drought. The breakthrough hit was one of the main focuses of last week's Comic-Con, trickling cast additions have kept the show in the headlines over the past few months, and the anticipated season one DVD is due out later this month.
NBC Universal hosted a lighthearted conference call with series creator Tim Kring and actor Masi Oka. Both were on hand to talk about the upcoming DVD and the show's Emmy nominations, which include a supporting actor nod for Oka as well as one of the top prizes, Outstanding Drama Series.
The first questions asked Oka about his character, the time-traveling and teleporting Hiro Nakamura. One of Hiro's trademarks is the grimace he makes when trying to activate his power.
"It's become such an iconic gesture that we continue to do it," said Oka. "There's more of it now." Though he once said it would give him a brain aneurysm to repeat the act over and over again, the "constipated look" will return in season two, but with slightly less tension as Hiro learns to master his power.
The idea for Hiro came to Kring when he was looking for a way to lighten the script for the pilot. In fact, Hiro didn't even exist in the first draft. Kring decided that he needed a character who relished his powers and embraced them in a very enthusiastic way, as compared with the other, more reluctant heroes.
"Hiro embodied the everyman," said Oka, commenting on his thoughts when he first read the script. "And how we all dreamed as a kid of being a superhero."
The subject then turned toward George Takei, the Star Trek icon who plays Hiro's dad. Oka praised working with the veteran actor, and even launched into his Takei impression that Takei told TV.com about a month and a half ago. Kring also said that viewers can look for "another face that will have a very similar impact to George Takei for the real genre fans," but is holding out on the surprise cast addition.
Both were very honored and surprised to see Heroes nominated for so many Emmy Awards. "We're up against very stiff competition, like The Sopranos. It feels like that's the one to beat," said Kring. "This is a show that many viewers dismissed early on as a fantasy show, or a genre show, or a sci-fi show, and those kinds of shows aren't always associated with critical acclaim or awards. For a show like ours, I think it's very important [to be nominated] because it stamps the show with a certain mark of quality that will attract more viewers."
Oka said that he and Zachary Quinto, who plays the head-carving villain Sylar on Heroes, had planned to hang out and stay awake all night in order to watch the Emmy nominations live at 5:30 a.m. Unlike Kring, who talked himself out of thinking Heroes may get an Emmy nomination, Oka had a good feeling the show would be nominated.
"We were going to stay up all night, but we fell asleep," said Oka. "But we had a really nice wake-up call."
Kring does feel a bit of pressure to keep up the success of the show, but not because he's trying to outdo season one. "It's not pressure to top it, it's pressure to keep it going," said Kring. "This particular show has become a show that is defined by its ability to defy expectations... That's the difficult part, constantly trying to stay one step ahead of people's expectations."
The two then plugged the DVD release, which is set for August 28. The seven-disc set will include the uncut pilot that was shown at 2006's Comic-Con, episode commentary, and 50 deleted scenes. There will also be an HD-DVD release, with interactive games and more.
Talk then turned to a touchy subject--the season two villains. Even with the media's pressure, Kring didn't want to give anything away about the big bad guys that will be appearing. "The audience can expect to see him [the new villain alluded to toward the end of season one] in the first run of episodes," said Kring--implying that the new bad guy will show up in the first 11 episodes--but couldn't divulge any further. "We literally haven't cast the character yet." (For fans keeping a timeline at home, Heroes is currently filming its fifth episode of the second season.)
Now that viewers are more familiar with the characters, season two won't have the same storyline-crowded episodes as season one. "We can afford to concentrate on fewer storylines per episode," said Kring, "so some characters will be left out of particular episodes."
Finally, the two were asked about something no one was ready to talk about--a Heroes movie. "There has been no real discussion about it," said Kring.
Timeout With Heroes' Masi
Actor Masi Oka chats about season three of Heroes, his new nemesis, and going to the bathroom with fans watching.
Claire Bennett (Hayden Panettiere) may be Heroes' cheerleader in front of the camera, but behind the scenes, no Heroes cast member does a better job of cheerleading for the show than Masi Oka. The Japanese-born actor has become one of the main faces of the drama and a fan favorite as time- and space-bending Hiro Nakamura.
Hiro Nakamura looking dapper.
Masi Oka took time out of his busy shooting schedule--episode 12 is currently being filmed--to discuss Heroes with the media this morning, and TV.com was there. Despite being bogged down with a bit of a cold, Masi was the usual Masi: well spoken, intelligent, cracking jokes (some good, some bad by his own admission), excitedly teasing season three, and always happy to answer questions from the press.
In fact, he even had a positive attitude when those questions dealt with the critical backlash for last week's premiere after an extremely positive reaction from fans at Comic-Con. Oka isn't bothered by what critics say and has high hopes for season three, which he said is a product of fan feedback. "[The fans] wanted more story, faster pace, a lot more action, and more focus on the original characters," he said. "We feel that we delivered based on what the fans wanted."
Oka then discussed his new nemesis, speedster Daphne (played by Friday Night Lights' Brea Grant). He likened their relationship to the greatest cat-and-mouse-chase duo of all time: Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. "Except she says a lot more than 'Meep Meep!'" Oka said that Wile E. Coyote antics will be part of their dynamic, minus the ACME gadgets, and that Hiro will "fall on his face a lot."
Speaking of Hiro's rivals, the seemingly invincible Adam Monroe (David Anders) will do battle with Hiro again this season, admitted Masi. Anders returns to Heroes in episode four (October 6), but Masi would not say when he'll go face-to-face with Hiro. As for killing Adam, Masi thinks it can be done, and the spinal cord is the key.
Hiro and the speedy Daphne.
Masi also said that there will be much more than just a Hiro-versus-Adam throw-down this season. Sylar will be in the mix, of course, and there will be some big-time battles between characters that fans would never expect.
Perhaps the biggest scoop of the phone call dealt with Hiro's family. Fans can expect to meet Hiro's mother for the first time this season, but that's the only secret that the actor would let out. As for Hiro's sister, Masi explained that she's probably too busy running the family's company to show up this season.
Last week's episode no doubt shocked many when Hiro jumped to the future and saw his good buddy Ando kill future Hiro with a Street Fighter-like fireball, but don't expect Ando to turn into a supervillain. Masi explained that Ando and Hiro will get back to palling around soon, and that the Heroes writers made that scene ambiguous to explore the darker side of the characters. "We want to put seeds of doubt in every relationship," he said. "Shake up the status quo." Well it certainly caught us off guard!
Hiro has had a love interest in each season so far, but Masi doesn't have hopes for a babe in season three. In fact, Masi seems legitimately broken up over the death of Charlie, the red-headed waitress from season one that Hiro courted. We liked her too, Masi. However, he did admit that "this is Heroes, after all," and that anything can happen.
On the personal side, Masi loves 30 Rock and The Office, enjoys the stunt work on Heroes (particularly when he can pretend to be in Mary Poppins while suspended in a harness), and gets a bit uncomfortable when fans follow him into restrooms ("It's not like my urine can stop time," he jokes).
Claire Bennett (Hayden Panettiere) may be Heroes' cheerleader in front of the camera, but behind the scenes, no Heroes cast member does a better job of cheerleading for the show than Masi Oka. The Japanese-born actor has become one of the main faces of the drama and a fan favorite as time- and space-bending Hiro Nakamura.
Hiro Nakamura looking dapper.
Masi Oka took time out of his busy shooting schedule--episode 12 is currently being filmed--to discuss Heroes with the media this morning, and TV.com was there. Despite being bogged down with a bit of a cold, Masi was the usual Masi: well spoken, intelligent, cracking jokes (some good, some bad by his own admission), excitedly teasing season three, and always happy to answer questions from the press.
In fact, he even had a positive attitude when those questions dealt with the critical backlash for last week's premiere after an extremely positive reaction from fans at Comic-Con. Oka isn't bothered by what critics say and has high hopes for season three, which he said is a product of fan feedback. "[The fans] wanted more story, faster pace, a lot more action, and more focus on the original characters," he said. "We feel that we delivered based on what the fans wanted."
Oka then discussed his new nemesis, speedster Daphne (played by Friday Night Lights' Brea Grant). He likened their relationship to the greatest cat-and-mouse-chase duo of all time: Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. "Except she says a lot more than 'Meep Meep!'" Oka said that Wile E. Coyote antics will be part of their dynamic, minus the ACME gadgets, and that Hiro will "fall on his face a lot."
Speaking of Hiro's rivals, the seemingly invincible Adam Monroe (David Anders) will do battle with Hiro again this season, admitted Masi. Anders returns to Heroes in episode four (October 6), but Masi would not say when he'll go face-to-face with Hiro. As for killing Adam, Masi thinks it can be done, and the spinal cord is the key.
Hiro and the speedy Daphne.
Masi also said that there will be much more than just a Hiro-versus-Adam throw-down this season. Sylar will be in the mix, of course, and there will be some big-time battles between characters that fans would never expect.
Perhaps the biggest scoop of the phone call dealt with Hiro's family. Fans can expect to meet Hiro's mother for the first time this season, but that's the only secret that the actor would let out. As for Hiro's sister, Masi explained that she's probably too busy running the family's company to show up this season.
Last week's episode no doubt shocked many when Hiro jumped to the future and saw his good buddy Ando kill future Hiro with a Street Fighter-like fireball, but don't expect Ando to turn into a supervillain. Masi explained that Ando and Hiro will get back to palling around soon, and that the Heroes writers made that scene ambiguous to explore the darker side of the characters. "We want to put seeds of doubt in every relationship," he said. "Shake up the status quo." Well it certainly caught us off guard!
Hiro has had a love interest in each season so far, but Masi doesn't have hopes for a babe in season three. In fact, Masi seems legitimately broken up over the death of Charlie, the red-headed waitress from season one that Hiro courted. We liked her too, Masi. However, he did admit that "this is Heroes, after all," and that anything can happen.
On the personal side, Masi loves 30 Rock and The Office, enjoys the stunt work on Heroes (particularly when he can pretend to be in Mary Poppins while suspended in a harness), and gets a bit uncomfortable when fans follow him into restrooms ("It's not like my urine can stop time," he jokes).
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