REDMOND, Wash., March 12, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that the Cinemania® Online Internet interactive movie guide (http://cinemania.MSN.com/) , will feature the predictions of Hollywood’s elite hairstylists as well as those of Vegas oddsmaker Lenny Del Genio as part of its ongoing feature on the 69th Academy Awards. The special Cinemania content on the Oscars includes handicapping charts for the nominees, commentary from noted critics Leonard Maltin and Sheila Benson, interviews with nominees, an insider’s guide to the Academy and an Oscar party planner. From the authoritative to the irreverent, Cinemania offers the most comprehensive, incisive and entertaining Oscar coverage on the Web.
Hair Apparent
Cinemania is presenting the special feature “Hair Apparent,” a forum for top hairstylists to predict who they think will win on awards night. “If you really want to know whats going on with the Oscars, who better to ask than the folks who have intimate access to the biggest heads in Hollywood?” said Cinemania senior editor Jim Emerson.
In addition to their Oscar predictions, the top Beverly Hills celebrity hair designers also reveal their choices for the year’s sexiest, worst and most-imitated hairstyles. The article includes rumors, stories, quotes and photos.
And the Oscar Goes To
Vegas oddsmaker Lenny Del Genio has teamed up with Cinemania to offer the official Vegas odds on the nominees. Del Genio, the famed oddsmaker of Bally’s Las Vegas, is renowned for his annual Academy Awards predictions. This year, he went five-for-five on his predictions for the best picture and director nominations.
Del Genio’s odds are but one factor in Cinemania’s comprehensive Handicapping the Oscars feature. Handicapping the Oscars rates each nominees chance of success, taking into consideration the number of previous awards won, past Academy voting patterns and current buzz. On the lighter side, each nominee’s Bacon factor (degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon) is also calculated.
Users’ Chance to Make an Appearance
Users can follow the experts advice or their own hunches to enter the official Oscar Predict the Winners contest, co-sponsored by Cinemania. Visitors to Cinemania can register to win the grand prize: a trip for two to Los Angeles to watch the parade of stars arrive for the 70th Academy Awards in 1998. Entries will be accepted until March 23, 1997.
Cinemania is an interactive online movie guide offering the latest film news, reviews and movie information. Cinemania features celebrity interviews, contests, audio and film clips, and an extensive database of movie reviews and star biographies. The site offers in-depth coverage on industry events including major releases, awards, festivals and Hollywood gossip.
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