Martin Freeman is Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."

Credit: Warner Bros.

For months, industry buzz has centered on how Warner Bros. plans on marketing Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" more to families than the previous "Lord of the Rings" films.  Of course, "Rings" drew in tons of families and fans of all ages, but New Line's campaign at the time generally centered on the novels' epic and dramatic themes.  The primary goal was for audiences to take the world of Middle Earth seriously.  The "Lord" films would take you on a grand adventure, but there were dark and serious consequences at every turn. J.R.R. Tolkien's predecessor to the "Rings" books, "The Hobbit," has its scary moments, but was a little, well, lighter.  Warner Bros., MGM and New Line released the latest and perhaps final trailer for "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" this morning and that broader tone is starting to seep through.

Is this "Argo" image foreshadowing John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Ben Affleck celebrating in tuxes on Oscar Sunday?

Credit: Warner Bros.

Yes, Oscar faithful, we're back. It's time to play another round of contenders vs. pretenders in the always entertaining awards season game.  Are you excited yet? (On second thought, don't answer that.)

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in "Silver Linings Playbook."

Credit: The Weinstein Company

The Toronto International Film Festival announced this year's award winners and moviegoers in the Great White North have once again found a way to influence the always competitive Oscar race.

David O. Russell's adaptation of Matthew Quick's novel "The Silver Linings Playbook" won the notable People's Choice Award this year.  Ben Affleck's "Argo" and Eran Rikli's "Zaytoun" were first and second runners up. "Playbook" now joins "Slumdog Millionaire," "The King's Speech" and "Precious" as recent awards season players who were able to snag the festival's most publicity worthy honor. Even if it doesn't lead to Oscar glory, the win certainly is a key indicator that The Weinstein Company may have a much needed box office smash waiting in the wings.

Chris Evans at the Toronto International Film Festival press conference for "The Iceman."

Credit: AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Aaron Vincent Elkaim

TORONTO – This is pretty close to the best of times for Chris Evans. After years of trying to breakthrough to superstar status he finally hit the A-list as Steve Rodgers in Marvel Studios’ blockbuster “Captain America: The First Avenger” last summer.  Well, to be fair, he likely solidified himself his global popularity after “The Avengers” was released in May.  Over $1.5 million in ticket sales later and you can be sure little boys and girls all over the world will always recognize Evans’ face.

Amy Adams talks about her new role in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master."

TORONTO - Sitting down with Amy Adams last week during the Toronto International Film Festival, there was only one thing on the agenda and it probably wasn't what you'd expect it be.  No, I didn't ask her about playing Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman reboot "Man of Steel."  And, no, there wasn't time to ask her what she thoughts were of her "Trouble with the Curve" co-star Clint Eastwood's now iconic speech to an empty chair at the Republican National Convention two weeks ago.  Instead, the topic of conversation had to be regarding her incredible performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's "The Master."

Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th President of the United States in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln."

Credit: DreamWorks Studios

With less than two months before it debuts in limited release, DreamWorks Pictures debuted the first full-length trailer for Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" today. The preview teased the classic cinematic imagery and framing Spielberg has been known to embrace when tackling more serious, period fare and gave moviegoers their first extended look of Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th President of the United States. And while Day-Lewis appears headed for another Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Honest Abe, it was the subtle inclusion of Lincoln with his young son (we assume) that was the surprise.

Don Mischer

Credit: AP Photo

Don Mischer will direct the 85th Academy Awards telecast, it was announced today by producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

Mischer has directed the telecast several times before, including 2011's 83rd Oscars, which was largely critically reviled, due in part to James Franco's lethargic co-hosting job. Mischer was nominated for directing Emmys for the 2011 and 2012 shows.

Saoirse Ronan is a 216-year-old vampire in Neil Jordan's 'Byzantium'

Credit: IFC Films

TORONTO - Everyone has a word or phrase they probably use too much.  For example, my friends will tell you I'm prone to use the word "literally" in conversation way too often.  Or, when doing interviews, to say "I'm curious" about three or four times to a subject (eke).  She might be embarrassed to read it, but Saoirse Ronan has the distinctly British habit of saying "brilliant' during conversation just as much as I say "literally" (perhaps more actually).  It's partially because she's just coming out of her teenage years, but it also a sign of her impressive enthusiasm regarding her work.

James D'Arcy and Ben Winshaw in "Cloud Atlas."

Credit: Warner Bros.

TORONTO – It’s been a long trek from Telluride to Toronto, but the initial wave of fall festivals is finally coming to an end.  While there are still a number of premieres over the next few days in Toronto, they are mostly secondary titles that few expect to get major distribution (and the snarky remarks are already starting on closing night selection “Emperor” starring Tommy Lee Jones).  

Maggie Smith and Pauline Collins in Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, "Quartet."

Credit: The Weinstein Company

TORONTO - It's always news when an acclaimed actor decides to direct their first feature, but it's hard to believe it took Dustin Hoffman 45 years to step behind the camera.  The two-time Oscar winner has gone in an unexpectedly sweet direction for his first directing gig with the slight romantic comedy "Quartet” that debuted Sunday night at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.