Brett Ratner

The 2012 Oscars is already getting dramatic, and I'm not even talking about the nominees. Following the news that producer Brett Ratner has pulled out of the show in the wake of some controversial comments, Eddie Murphy has just withdrawn as host. Murphy signed on to emcee the show back in September, and this would have been his first time hosting the awards. He was hired by Ratner, the director on his recent release Tower Heist, and Murphy commented on his and Ratner's exits, saying:

"First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

Are you disappointed that Murphy won't be hosting? And since the Oscars are back in need of a host, who do you think should get the job?

The stars of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps gathered in NYC last night for their big premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater. Real-life loves Carey Mulligan and Shia LaBeouf walked the red carpet separately, but they caused a stir and screams from fans when they joined Josh Brolin, Susan Sarandon, and Michael Douglas for a group photo. Michael, who is in the middle of a battle against cancer, bravely turned out with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones to support his latest movie with director Oliver Stone. Shia lingered at the press line well after the screening began, seeming happy to shoulder the promotional duties for both himself and Michael. We had a minute to speak with Shia about his adventures in investing his own money, and he also spoke about working with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley on Transformers 3. He said, "She's great! This is going to be the best Transformers yet."

The gang moved on next to the afterparty at Cipriani on 42nd Street, where Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen broke from their fashion duties and preparations for their Paris show to toast Carey. Mary-Kate and Ashley also had some celebrating to do after finally selling the NYC apartment they've had on the market for five years. Shia had previously started the day by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange with Carey, then he went solo to keep the interviews coming at The Late Show. His chat with David Letterman airs on Friday, the same day their film hits theaters.

To see more Shia, just read more

• James Wolk works it in this sexy new Lone Star promo — Zap2it
• Why the Lost epilogue doesn't ruin the show — Movieline
• A reality show based on The Hurt Locker is in the works — PopWatch
• Ben Stiller and Brett Ratner are teaming up for Tower Heist — Moviefone
• Doug Liman will direct All You Need Is Kill — Cinematical
• Watch MGMT's video for "Congratulations" — Vulture
• Director Joe Dante's five favorite films — Rotten Tomatoes
• Makeover predictions for the new contestants of America's Next Top Model — BellaSugar

• The Walking Dead cast packs ammo in this first promo pic — TV.com
• NBC announces its Fall premiere dates — Give Me My Remote
• Polanski lines up his next project: a screen version of God of Carnage — A.V. Club
• Must see: Sally Draper says Mad Men isn't for kids, calls Betty "evil" — TV Squad
• Spoiler alert! Spielberg's ideas for the beginning of Transformers 3 — Cinematical
• The CW picks up new show called 18 to Life to air in August — Vulture
• Introducing The Old Spice guy voicemail generator — GeekSugar
• Brett Ratner may direct a movie about Hercules — MTV Movies Blog
• Zoe Saldana and Kate Bosworth play two very dumb bar flies — PopCrunch
• Jeremy Piven and Thomas Jane will star in the thriller I Melt With You — Collider

Brett Ratner is looking to do with Snow White what Tim Burton did with Alice in Wonderland. The director has jumped on board to produce an edgier version of the fairy tale that will be less Disney-fied and more in line with the darker tones of the Brothers Grimm (hence its tentative title: The Brothers Grimm: Snow White). Forget sweet woodland animals — this time, the dwarfs are robbers, and a dragon will make an appearance. Oh, and like most recent releases, it's in 3D.

I'm not sure how I feel about the same man who brought us Rush Hour taking on a beloved fairy tale, but let's talk casting for the iconic role. I can almost picture someone like Emma Watson or Lucy Hale, but who would you like to see in the part?

Quentin Tarantino brought his friends together at LA's La Vida restaurant last night to celebrate Inglourious Basterds's eight Academy Awards nominations. He chatted with other famous faces up for Oscars like Maggie Gyllenhaal, who stuck close to husband Peter Sarsgaard. Eli Roth chatted with Neve Campbell, Selma Blair, and Heather Graham, while Ryan Gosling made the rounds still looking hot after his recent trip in Sundance. Anne Hathaway brought along her constant companion Adam Shulman, as she took a break from promoting Valentine's Day.

Anne's on the cover of next month's InStyle to chat about her star-studded movie, though she took a minute to reflect on herself and her looks. She said, "I think I’ve got really weird features. I have very large features on a very small head. But, you know, I’m not going to beat myself up . . . I look like myself, and I think at the end of the day, as nice as pretty is, authenticity is more important." Her looks seem to be doing just fine as far as Hollywood is concerned, especially after all her recognition in 2009 for Rachel Getting Married. Anne's not nominated this year, but make sure to fill out Buzz's Oscar ballot for a chance to win an amazing prize pack!

To see more party photos, just read more

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie hit the red carpet at last night's LA premiere of Inglourious Basterds, and the fun-loving cast kept the good times rolling with a bash at the Mondrian Hotel afterward. Diane Kruger's main man Joshua Jackson is up in Vancouver, but she mingled with Harvey Weinstein as BJ Novak chatted with Mindy Kaling and Melanie Laurent. Eli Roth struck a pose with Angelina, who was part of the festivities after missing out on the cast's recent party in Berlin. She and Brad make time for one-on-one date nights, but they also clearly enjoying letting loose with co-workers and friends.

To see more from the party, just read more