The bold decision to double the number of best picture nominees will benefit filmmakers and filmgoers.

By increasing the nominees from five to 10, the academy and ABC are hoping to lure viewers and advertisers alike.

AMC adds a new drama

Chris Anderson, author of 'Free: The Future of a Radical Price,' says lifting uncredited passages from Wikipedia was an editing mistake, but some in the blogosphere aren't satisfied.

Tiger Woods is a guest on 'Good Morning America' and 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.'

PENN & TELLER: The comedian-magicians (Penn Jillette, left, and Teller) return at 10 p.m. on Showtime for a new season of debunking claims and perceptions. Charles Sykes Associated Press klnln3nc

Films that were long shots for best picture glory now might make the Academy Awards cut.

The film academy's decision to expand the best picture category may benefit smaller and foreign-language films as well as box-office favorites.

The rocking light show is revived at the Vine Theatre after its long Griffith Observatory run ended in 2002.

A compelling look at the birth and evolution of recording, and how it changed the way the world hears itself.

The Academy Awards just grew twice as crowded at the top. For the first time since 1943, 10 movies -- instead of the current five -- will be nominated for the best picture Oscar.

He seems pretty easygoing, but when he opens up to a role, the mess of life comes spilling out, as happens in 'The Hurt Locker.'

The pulsing dance-music festival is betting that it can grow this year as it sprawls over two days, with acts like Paul Van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold.

Aries (March 21-April 19): There's a fine line between what's funny and what's just sad. Be compassionate and careful in your reaction to other people's stories.

Dear Amy: I am a 43-year-old with a 13-year-old daughter from my first marriage.

It's not easy being green. Kermit knew it ages before the rest of us. Still, if you're wondering what a more environmentally sensitive life would look like, you can see it without having to feel it in "No Impact Man." In this compelling and extremely funny documentary from filmmakers Laura Gabbert and Justin Schein, environmentalist Colin Beavan and his wife, journalist/skeptic Michelle Conlin, go green for us, as the couple and their toddler try to get as close to zero impact on the planet as possible. They start with the easy stuff, like no caffeine (though Michelle's resolve breaks, with secret Starbucks runs), and then progressively eliminate what most of us consider necessities, such as toilet paper, refrigeration and electricity. You can catch it Friday night at the Regent or Sunday afternoon at the Landmark as this year's Los Angeles Film Festival winds down. Oh, and you really should bring a friend -- carpool, you know.

The Geffen Playhouse has pulled off a theatrical hat trick with the West Coast premiere of its new production, Brooklyn dramatist Beau Willimon's high-stakes political drama "Farragut North": an A-list cast, a smart, timely script and a Tony-winning director in Doug Hughes. Chris Pine ("Star Trek") plays a wunderkind press secretary opposite Chris Noth's ("Sex and the City," "Law & Order") seasoned campaign manager on the rocky road to the White House during a close presidential race. Big egos, double-dealings and a Lolita-like intern ("Juno's" Olivia Thirlby) complicate matters. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 7:30 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Fri.; 4 and 8:30 p.m. Sat.; 2 and 7 p.m. Sun.; ends July 26. $45-$79. (310) 208-5454. www.geffenplayhouse.com

In advance of an expanded permanent display of the museum's substantial holdings in Korean art -- slated to open this fall -- LACMA has teamed up with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to mount what it bills as the first stateside exhibition of works by contemporary South Korean artists in nearly two decades. "Your Bright Future: 12 Contemporary Artists From Korea" brings together a dozen artists who have emerged since the 1980s -- big names and fledgling artists alike -- with a range of works from each in sculpture, video, site-specific installation and more. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Opens Sun. (323) 857-6000, www.lacma.org.

The time was when a crisp, effective New York subway hostage drama starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta wouldn't have needed the extra boost a positive review can potentially give a film. "Pelham" might not dominate at the Oscars, but as directed by Tony Scott it's so professionally done you don't have the luxury of taking your eyes off the screen. But times have changed and the potential audience for a solid action picture intended for adults has gotten so beaten down it often refuses to leave the house. This one is worth it, folks, really it is.

Electric Daisy Carnival

A lot of people like to throw around the "diva" tag these days, but few living artists can rightfully claim it. The inimitable Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is one of them. Her mere presence is cause for sensation, and her sartorial choices are just as legendary -- just count the number of hats at this celebration of an American treasure. Hollywood Bowl. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Fri., 8:30 p.m., $25-$135. www.hollywoodbowl.com.

The Bird and the Bee's new album, "Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future," is a fizzy concoction of jazzy vocals, mascara-eyed ambience and synth-pop arrangements. We can't think of a better place to take it in than Descanso Gardens. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Today, 6:15 p.m. $12. www.descansogardens.org.

At the Long Beach Bayou Festival, enjoy blues, Cajun and zydeco music, Creole cuisine and activities. Long Beach Rainbow Lagoon, 400 E. Shoreline Drive, Sat.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. $30 adult, $10 ages 13-17, kids younger than 12 free. www.longbeachfestival.homestead.com.

'America's Got Talent'