People talk 11/05/02

Osbournes will host American Music Awards

LOS ANGELES -- The censors may have to stay on their toes when Ozzy Osbourne and his family host the 30th annual American Music Awards.

The three-hour special is scheduled to air live on ABC, starting at 8 p.m. EST Jan. 13.

"I can't wait to see what Ozzy and the rest of the family have in store for us, and I know the ABC-TV censor is already having dreams, or should I say nightmares, about their live ad-libs," executive producer Dick Clark said Monday.

The heavy-metal icon, his wife, Sharon, and two of their three children are notorious for their profanity-laced misadventures on the reality show "The Osbournes." The second season of the MTV series begins Nov. 26.

The American Music Awards are given based on votes from the public in 21 categories.

Duncan, 'Rock,' Dawson receive Diversity Awards

LOS ANGELES -- Actors Michael Clarke Duncan, "The Rock" and Rosario Dawson were among the honorees at the 10th annual Diversity Awards.

The Multicultural Motion Picture Association on Sunday gave its Integrity Award to Duncan, an Academy Award nominee for 1999's "The Green Mile."

"It's because of the way he carries himself and tends to keep himself in the limelight playing positive characters," said Jarvee Hutcherson, the group's founder and president. "He's respected by his peers for his sincerity and dedication."

"The Rock," the pro wrestler whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, received the 2002 Nova Award as the voters' choice for the best rising star of the year. Johnson's movies include "The Scorpion King" and "The Mummy Returns."

Dawson, who has appeared in "Josie and the Pussycats" and "Men in Black II," was honored with the Female Nova Award, given to an up-and-coming actress. Erika Christensen, who starred in this year's "Swimfan," received the Spirit Award, which recognizes "a person with energy, someone who tends to sparkle and glow," Hutcherson said.

Lifetime Television received the Diverse Network Programming Award for showcasing programs with a broad mix of ethnic characters that "reflects the makeup of society."

The honors aim to raise awareness of different cultures and ideas in the entertainment industry, Hutcherson said. The association's 1,200 voting members chose the winners.

Timberlake:Jackson influenced musical style

NEW YORK -- Justin Timberlake says Michael Jackson has been a big influence on his sound, but not the only one.

Timberlake, the 'N Sync star whose debut solo album, "Justified," is due Tuesday, has been tagged with imitating Jackson because of a few wardrobe choices and big appearances with the King of Pop.

"I've used a lot of different sounds than just Michael," Timberlake told Newsday. "I think there's some Eagles in the harmonies and a lot more Stevie Wonder.

"I'm also a big fan of Donny Hathaway," the 21-year-old added, referring to the 1970s musician. "I think it's shocking to people that I even know who Donny Hathaway is."

Timberlake, whose breakup with Britney Spears this year was widely reported in the entertainment media, said he tweaked a few songs on "Justified" to throw off people who might try to learn about his personal life from his music.

"Some of it was a little manipulative because I knew what people were saying about me," said Timberlake, who declined to say which songs he changed. "But it's not a Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde type thing like Eminem -- not that that's a bad thing either."

O'Donnell defends Martha Stewart's empireRADNOR, Pa. -- Rosie O'Donnell says that if she still had her talk show, she would use it as a forum to defend Martha Stewart.

"I'd be singing Martha Stewart a love song every day. I want every housewife in America to band together and refuse to let them tear down one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in our country's history," she says.

O'Donnell said her fans shouldn't worry about her because she gave up her show and magazine.

"I had to let go to remember why I started doing this," O'Donnell says in the Nov. 9 issue of TV Guide. "The deification was pretty intense. You lose your perspective."

O'Donnell's next endeavor is producing the musical "Taboo" on Broadway. The show is about the life of Boy George.

Berry has tough time keeping up with BondRADNOR, Pa. -- Halle Berry said it was sometimes hard to keep up with Pierce Brosnan in the new James Bond movie "Die Another Day."

Berry, who won a best-actress Oscar this year for "Monster's Ball," said one especially tough scene required the pair to run alongside a moving plane.

"The minute I took off running, I saw smoke coming out of Pierce's feet," said Berry, who plays a character named Jinx. "My legs just couldn't go fast enough."

The 34-year-old also said she likes the way Bond women are changing.

"They are becoming stronger and more intellectual," Berry said in the Nov. 9 issue of TV Guide.

De Palma wishes critics wouldn't prejudge movies

NEW YORK -- Brian De Palma wishes critics wouldn't go into his movies with preconceived notions.

The director of such films as "Scarface," "The Untouchables" and "Carrie," said reviewers panned "Mission to Mars" and "Bonfire of the Vanities," because the films weren't what they expected.

"All I ask is that you look at the movie," De Palma told The New York Times for Sunday's editions. "But c'est la vie. With criticism, you're basically being measured against the fashion of the day, and if you don't fit into what the line of clothes is that year, God help you."

De Palma's latest film is "Femme Fatale," featuring Rebecca Romijn-Stamos as a con artist and Antonio Banderas as a paparazzo with whom she forms an alliance.

-- From wire reports