First off, there are some scenes from the new season interspersed with the interview. 

Vanessa talks about the physical changes in Betty, and gives some specifics (I like the phrase “her silhouette is changing”).  She says the socks are going to go (I guess that will be later this season) and that we’ll see Betty’s legs for the first time.

She hints about “a couple of relationships from her past” – these are Connor and Nico, I’m guessing.  She says that Grant Bowler emailed her saying he’s looking forward to coming back (with all the bedroom scenes with Williams, that’s a no-brainer ).

They then go into Wilhelmina’s struggle to keep her job at Mode, and show a pretty funny scene where she insults Claire and asks her and Cal Hartley do go ahead and fire her (which ends in a surprise).

The wait is almost over – Friday is almost here!  From the looks of everything, this is going to be a great beginning to season four!

Post from: Ugly Betty News

America looks GREAT, and she’s really got this red carpet thing down (thanks to time and Vanessa Williams).  America is wearing a black Moshino safety pin-embellished crepe dress paired with gold peep-toes.

Speaking of Vanessa:

The lady can still bring it in this LBD.  Check out the two-toned shoes!

Becki Newton was there.  She wears this ruffled Prabal Gurung Fall 2009 sleeveless top and striped tulip skirt well, although with my agricultural ancestry,I have an overwhelming urge to get clippers and shear her.

Congratulations to America Ferrera and the Ugly Betty cast for supporting such a wonderful cause.

There are many more photos after the jump, including a very layered Tony Plana, Michael Urie looking a little tired after a whirlwind few days (sun and sand notwithstanding), and an old friend Ugly Betty fans will recognize right away.

Also, Ted Allen (my favorite foodie nerd) was there, so I had to throw in a pic of him!  Check them out…

Images: Fame Pictures

Post from: Ugly Betty News

You’ll notice in some of these pics that Marc (Urie) looks worried or hard-pressed, and Wilhelmina (Williams) seems angry.  In a way, this is a good thing.  If Wilhelmina looked happy and cheerful, something would definitely be wrong.  The last thing we need is a contented or happy Willi.

In other pics, (from a related but different scene – Marc is wearing a beret  and different shirt, but the same overcoat), Marc is being made to carry what appears to be beach apparel (bright, pastel  clothes, Croc-like shoes).

Could it be that this is the moment that Wilhelmina decides to run to the Bahamas to catch up with Connor Owens?  I’ll bet it is.  But then again, there is someone else in that scene (see last pic), so there’s more to this scene than appears.

Regardless, I love the coat Urie is wearing.  The beret?  Not so much. 

I never though about it before, but it HAS to be kind of hot to be filming late-autumn/winter scenes in late summer/early autumn.

Williams, even when her character is upset, looks spectacular, as usual.  Wilhelmina’s search for Connor will be one of the more interesting story lines in season four.

Many more set pics after the jump!

Images: Zuma Press

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Wow – what an absolutely beautiful, classic dress.  It’s from Rafael Cennamo, and this color is not only daring, but quite perfect for Vanessa.

But, what absolutely makes this look work is the incredible makeup by Sam Fine.  For an in-depth look at how Fine worked around the challenge of not only a very hot day, but this wonderful dress as well, check out this post.

“Because Vanessa’s dress choice was such a strong color, this forced me to re-address the neutrals I had in my kit,” admits Fine. “I wanted to go for a little more color in the cheek, as well as the lip, so I needed to find the perfect coral-pink shade, because true pink can be hard to wear.”

She was so perfect – she looked like a perfect porcelain doll – albeit one with great charm and humor.

Of course, Vanessa didn’t win Outstanding Supporting Actress (again).  It’s hard to be mad at the fact that the very deserving Kristin Chenoweth won.  I think Vanessa’s going to have one more chance, though.

But, congratulations to Williams for the nomination, and for showing the youngsters how you do the red carpet!

Images: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Basically, Vanessa sang a re-worked version of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, with new lyrics singing the praises of various daytime stars.

The coolest part was the video playing simultaneously that inserted Vanessa into all of the shows she was singing about.  Some of the video work was VERY good, in others it was obvious that Williams was inserted.

The best line (and scene) was probably “I know that Ellen approves”.  Vanessa really showed of her comedic skills at that point.  When she looked at the camera it was impossible not to laugh out loud.

I thought overall Williams did an excellent job with the material she was given.  Her dance with Gilles Marini was not quite Dancing With The Stars season finale good, but it was good nonetheless.  She looked wonderful in all of her costume changes (I counted five).

As a whole, the show was entertaining, although it got a little uncomfortable about 45 minutes in when the show was obviously running behind, and they rushed through everything.  I felt as if some of the nominees and winners were shortchanged.  You just can’t fit an awards show into 2 hours.

All was made well, though, by the spectacular Sesame Street number.

Good job, Vanessa!  You’ve got a future in hosting, if this acting and singing thing doesn’t work out! 

Post from: Ugly Betty News

I normally skip the Daytime Emmys, but I’m not going to miss this one.

Vanessa is going to dance with Dancing With The Stars runner up Gilles Marini.  Also, in addition to introducing guests who will hand out 17 awards, she will open the telecast with a parody number.  Vanessa has become quite the comedienne.

On top of that, the award ceremonies have moved from the Kodak Theatre to the downtown historic landmark, where Judy Garland performed her vaudeville act in the ’30s and where “American Idol” has held auditions.

"We’ve returned the glamour to these awards to match the glamour of that old theater and beautiful building," said executive producer David McKenzie, president of Associated Television International. "The Orpheum is one of the greatest assets we have in this city and we need to preserve all of these theaters that exist downtown."

About hosting the Daytime Emmys for the first time, Williams says,  "Live TV is wonderful because it’s like theater, so there’s a certain energy that you certainly have when something is being performed live — and I’m always up for an opportunity to perform.  I think having a musical theater background lends itself to being versatile in terms of not only reading copy but, in my case, being able to break into song. And that’s always my comfort zone."

There will be a tribute to “Guiding Light”, which goes off the air on Sept. 18 after 72 years.  (I didn’t know that!)

Also, “Sesame Street," which turns 40 this year, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Sandra Oh ("Grey’s Anatomy"), who played a Cookie Fairy on the PBS show last year. Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Gordon and Oscar the Grouch will perform. 

40 years – dang I feel old.

Here’s one part I like:  there will be a fashion show segment featuring couples from all of the soaps in a nonstop photo shoot, anchored by Tyra Banks.  This pays tribute to the behind-the-scenes costumes and makeup folks.

The Daytime Emmys air on the CW at 8 p.m EDT.

Image: Fame Pictures

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Vanessa Williams

“Our musical episode is back on!," Vanessa tells Guide’s William Keck. “I think it’s going to be our 16th episode of the season."

This episode may or may not be a Valentine’s episode (as was originally planned in Season 2).  3.16 Things Fall Apart aired Feb 26,2009.  Episode 1.16, Derailed, aired on Feb 16, 2007.

2.16 aired in May because of the WGA strike, so using the air date of that one wouldn’t be useful.

We all know the execution of the numbers will be awesome.  Every member of the Ugly Betty cast is a great singer (OK, I’ve never heard Eric Mabius or Tony Plana sing). 

Also interesting, the musical episode will most likely NOT be scored by Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman.

"The man who does our original scoring will be writing some of the music. I think it’s going to be a combination of original material and some really popular pop tunes—similar to Moulin Rouge, pop tunes integrated into a musical show. We’re all really excited about. I’m sure Wilhelmina’s material will be really biting!"

Hopefully, the episode would be more Moulin Rouge than Cop Rock.  Now, I think Jeff Beal will do just fine with the composition, but the fact that they are staying ‘in house’ really underscores how bad the economy is right now.

But, the fact that they are doing it at all tells me that Ugly Betty isn’t going quietly into the Friday night television scrap heap.  Good for them.

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

First, the good news.  Vanessa Williams was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.  She has been nominated in this category for each of Ugly Betty’s 3 seasons.  Maybe the third time will be a charm for her. 

"I’m thrilled and honored to be nominated again this year," Williams told Insider. "I love my show and my character, Wilhelmina, and this recognition is truly icing on the cake."

Nominated alongside Vanessa in the Supporting actress category are Kristin Chenoweth, Amy Poehler (SNL), Kristin Wiig (SNL),Jane Krakowski, and Elizabeth Perkins.  All deserving, I’ll admit.  I think Williams has a better than average chance of finally snagging the award, but that could just be me being a homer.  Nevertheless, I think this year is her biggest chance.

The other nod for Ugly Betty from the Academy was for costume design, which I know is just going to delight some of you .  Say what you want about Pat Field’s designs this year: yeah, many times they were weird, most of the time unrealistic, but they stood out, they caught the eye, and you knew when you saw them you weren’t seeing some run-of-the-mill sitcom.  Yes, Ugly Betty deserves this one, although Pushing Daisies and Mad Men will give the show a run for its money.

Read about the bad stuff, after the jump.

Now for the elephant in the room.  No, America Ferrera was not nominated as Best Actress.  I’m mostly in shock, because since the show’s debut, Ferrera has never NOT been nominated for any major comedy acting awards.  And, I thought she was just as good, if not better, in season 3 than season 2.  However, Sarah Silverman’s nomination effectively knocked Ferrera out.

I had high hopes for Michael Urie, Ana Ortiz, even (as a longshot) Eric Mabius in the supporting categories.  Alas. 

The snubs that most surprise me the most are…art direction, makeup, cinematography, hair.  Ugly Betty is STILL the most beautiful show on television.  And they did it all in a new city in season 3.  I’m flabbergasted at those snubs.

And the more I think about it – didn’t Bernadette Peters deserve a nomination for Guest Actress on a Comedy Series?  Yes, Tina Fey deserves to win this category (she singlehandedly brought SNL back from the dead with her portrayal of Sarah Palin), but Peters was outstanding in Ugly Betty.  Had she guested on 30 Rock, I would bet she’d have been nominated

Is it just me, or do many of the nominations, which you can find here, signal the further decline of broadcast scripted shows?  Cable and animation, that’s the future, apparently.  Unless you’re 30 Rock, of course. (No sour grapes from me this year, I promise!)

Anyway, congratulations Vanessa Williams, and Pat Field’s costume team!

Image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News

I love Vanessa’s casual look. She always looks fabulous in jeans – that vigorous workout of hers really pays off with this look.

And Jillian?  To paraphrase Herman’s Hermits:  Miss Williams, you have a lovely daughter.  She (Jillian) is 20 years old, and takes after her mother in the beauty department.

Jillian (Hervey) is Vanessa’s daughter, along with sister Melanie (22) and brother Devin (16), from Vanessa’s former marriage to then-manager Ramon Hervey II.

I’m so used to Williams doing these sort of events with daughter Sascha, I had to look twice when I saw Jillian in the photos.  Hervey really does the denim dress quite well.

Vanessa was on the Wendy Williams show yesterday (there may be video soon ), and she said that the much anticipated musical episode of Ugly Betty WILL happen.  Woot.

As for beauty. Vanessa’s still got it, IMHO.

Image: Newscom

So, are you going to see the movie? 

Images (unless otherwise noted: Splashnewsonline.com)

Post from: Ugly Betty News

He doesn’t give an entire list, but Slezak is operating under the assumption that Vanessa Williams is a hands-down favorite for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her portrayal of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty.  And, although I agree (she’s shown some incredible range in season 3), we Vanessa Williams fans have been burned before when it comes to television’s highest honor.

Williams has been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Ugly Betty seasons 1 and 2, but she was beaten by Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl) in 2007, and Jean Smart (Samantha Who?) in 2008. 

Considering those two shows have been canceled, perhaps it’s finally Vanessa’s turn?  Maybe Williams will be the favorite this year.

Slezak lists four dark horses for the supporting actor/actress awards.  He gives a nod to Keir Gilchrist, United States of Tara,  Hamish Linklater, The New Adventures of Old Christine.  He then says the following about Michael Urie: 

Watching Marc strive for love and a better career proved alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, and proved Urie is every bit as valuable to the Ugly Betty cast as the more heralded Williams and America Ferrera.

I couldn’t agree more – like I’ve said, Urie has absolutely shined this past season, becoming almost a co-star.  Granted, the writers gave him more to work with than Becki Newton or Eric Mabius (who was also great this year!), but Michael ran with it.  I’d love to see him get the nomination, but it’s hard to break past the usual suspects (Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Cryer, half the cast of Entourage).  We’ll see.

Finally, Slezak gives props to Ana Ortiz.  In the past, I’ve clamored for Becki Newton to get a Supporting nomination instead of Ana, but this year, Ana probably deserves it a little more.  (Sorry Becki – it’s not you – the writers struggled all year with Amanda).  Ana Ortiz, however, has not only been hilarious at times, but she got her drama on several times (most notably, episode 3.12, Sisters On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – not my favorite episode, but Ortiz had some great scenes nonetheless).  AND, she had two romances!

All this being said, most likely Vanessa Williams will be the only cast member to get a supporting nomination.  I don’t think the Academy was very fond of Ugly Betty’s second season, and they probably won’t give Ugly Betty the look it deserves for season 3, which is a shame.

But, here’s hoping they ALL get nominations! 

Post from: Ugly Betty News