The Emmys: Doors of perception

Winning an Emmy is a rewarding personal achievement for actors, but the business benefits are not as clear-cut."I think with any award, it's like a fried egg: It's hot for a while and then it's cold," says Felicity Huffman, an Emmy winner for "Desperate Housewives" in 2005. "When it's hot, it's really good. And when it's cold, you go, 'I don't know what to do with that?' "Hank Azaria says an Emmy ultimately means less business-wise than people may think."It's lovely on the night, and it's nice to be acknowledged, but beyond that I think it's a mistake to think it's going to change your career in some of kind of a big way," he explains. "You better be careful if you're thinking that."An Emmy can, however, sometimes be used as a bargaining chip. "Sometimes you can demand more money and get bigger roles, but it depends," he says. "I've won four, and they've all done different things."Kelsey Grammer, a five-time Emmy winner, says awards do "more for a show than they do for an actor, but they're a great feather in the cap, and they can bump up the price a little bit in syndication. The personal kudos are great, but it's just window dressing."Adds Kathy Baker, a three-time winner for "Picket Fences": "I think you could win 10, and it wouldn't necessarily matter. It isn't the number of Emmys; it's the fact that you've won the Emmy. It's something you always have no matter what. They can't ever take that away from you."Jean Smart, who won two Emmys for her guest role on "Frasier" and a third for "Samantha Who?," says she worries that a win may lead producers to think, Oh, now she's probably more expensive."That's not good, but I suppose if someone was not familiar with your work it might not hurt. It might help to say, 'She won three Emmys,' " says Smart, who adds she was only disappointed that she didn't win for her role as the first lady on "24." "I will be honest that was like, aw, shucks. I'll give you one of the 'Frasiers' back.' "Talent agency reps say the business benefits of winning an Emmy vary depending on the category: A lead actor award means more than a supporting or guest actor nod.When it comes time to renegotiate an actor's deal, an Emmy win can be used to justify a request for a larger paycheck. Some actors even get an Emmy bonus written into their contracts: If they win an award, they receive a financial benefit.An Oscar carries more weight than an Emmy, and the value of an Emmy is greater in TV than in the film world, agency representatives say. It also doesn't take an Emmy to help a film career: Jon Hamm has none, but his film career has been on the rise since the debut of "Mad Men."Emmy winners say there are intangible benefits to a win."As an actor, it's great to get validated because there's that part of you that's always going, 'I'm a fraud, I'm not really an actor,' " Huffman explains. "It's self-validating, which actually translates into you've got more self-esteem when you walk into the room for the audition, which is good."She says immediately after an Emmy win, "People take your calls a little easier. People are a little more eager to meet you."Kim Delaney, a 1997 Emmy winner for "NYPD Blue," says an Emmy win can mitigate the need to "go in for as many meetings. People are aware of your work."She said it also benefits a future employer who wants to trade on the promotional value of having an Emmy-winning actor in his project.Jeremy Piven, a three-time Emmy winner for "Entourage," says he never heard from his agents that his victories made a business difference. But the actor said it brought him more respect closer to home."I think I impressed my niece, Pearl," he said. "She asked why Uncle Jeremy won a surprise on television, so I think I may have gained a bit of ground with Pearl. But with the industry, I'm not sure."ROAD TO THE EMMYS: DOWN TO THE WIRE:Doors of perception | Burnett preps for Emmy kudocast | Lynch readies for Emmy host duties | No shortage of high end Emmy parties Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

Justin Bieber Helps Pal Get A Date With Kendall Jenner

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Justin Bieber is very, very good to his friends. On Monday, the Canadian singing superstar Tweeted Kendall Jenner, suggesting the 15-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians star go out on a date with his buddy, writer/producer Julian Swirsky. Hey @Kendalljenner you should let my boy @iamjulkeyz take you on a date ;) the Biebs Tweeted late Monday night. @justinbieber yeah, i wouldnt mind that, Julian, who is reportedly 16, chimed in shortly thereafter. And it appears Kendall is open to letting Bieber play matchmaker if the Biebs and his girlfriend, Selena Gomez, come along for the ride. Only if you & @selenagomez join! :) #DoubleDate, she wrote on Tuesday morning, something that seemed to delight Justins pal. @kendalljenner are you choosing the restaurant? #doubledate, Julian wrote. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Report: Its A Woman For Ethan Hawke

La, Calif. -- Its a woman for Ethan Hawke. The Oscar-nominated actor and the wife, Ryan Shawhughes, welcomed daughter Indiana two days ago, based on Us Weekly. The pair was spotted going for a stroll through New You are able to City using their new bundle of pleasure on Friday, the mag reported. Indiana may be the couples second child together Ethan and Ryan welcomed their first child, daughter, Clementine, in This summer 2008 after getting married to earlier that year. A repetition for Ethan had no comment concerning the baby news when approached by AccessHollywood.com on Saturday. The 40-year-old Taking Lives star also offers two kids from his six-year marriage to Uma Thurman (they divorced in 2004), daughter Maya, 13, and boy Levon, 9.Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

FX Chief Calls Ryan Murphy's 'American Horror Story' a Potential 'Breakthrough'

Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday - Summer Fruits Do A Body Good Inside & Out!

By Terri MacLeodNEW YORK., N.Y. -- We all know that fruit is good for our bodies. Health-conscious celebs, like Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba and Heidi Klum, are often spotted munching on fruit on the go. Experts suggest eating 5-a-day for optimal wellness. Summer is the perfect time to meet this good-for-you quota mouth-watering berries, watermelon, and mangoes are all in season. So, no excuses! Think outside the box, when it comes to your fruit its not only good to eat, but fruit also has a variety of topical uses. Alexis Wolfer, editor-in-chief of The Beauty Bean, shares with Healthy Hollywood her favorite summer fruits with beauty benefits inside & out! 5 Summer Fruits With Beauty Benefits Inside & Out: 1. Avocados. A lot of people dont think of this as a fruit, but it is! And it beautifies too! Eat avocados for Vitamin E (a potent antioxidant that fights skin damage from the inside out and a circulation booster, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails), glutathione a powerful anti-aging antioxidant, and healthy fats (which actually allow your body to more easily absorb other beauty-boosting nutrients). Use it topically as an anti-aging and hydrating facial mask! Mix ½ mashed avocado with 1 tsp honey and apply evenly and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. 2. Strawberries. Theyre one of the most anti-oxidant rich fruits, meaning that theyll help protect your skin from environmental damage and reverse prior damage from the inside out! Use it topically to whiten your teeth! Their natural acids oxidize the stains from your teeth so eat up (or just rub them on your teeth) for an all-natural alternative to pricey products. 3. Oranges. This sweet, juicy fruit does more than just satisfy our sweet tooth. Rather, the Vitamin C packed citrus is also rich in phytonutrients and flavonoids that reduce inflammation and pack an antioxidant-rich punch. Use it topically as a toner! Mix equal parts of Saki (Japanese rice wine) and fresh squeezed orange juice and apply as you would a toner. The Saki will help to detoxify and even skin tone, while the ascorbic acid in the juice will help cleanse and the vitamin C will leave your skin glowing. 4. Cantaloupe. This orange melon is not only high in water content (essential for keeping your skin plump and youthful), but also its rich in vitamin A, which both has anti-aging benefits and works to keep your skin glowing. Plus, its high in beta-carotene, which protects your eyes from cataracts! Use it topically as a facial mask! Mix ½ cup mashed cantaloupe (drained, so not too watery) with ½ cup full-fat, plain Greek yogurt for an exfoliating and anti-aging facial mask! Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing! 5. Cherries. They not only help protect your body from the damaging effects of the sun, but also are high in melatonin, which will help you sleep better (hello, beauty sleep!) Use it topically as a facial scrub! Blend 8 pitted cherries with 3 Tbsp honey and 3 Tbsp raw oats. Rub on face and neck in gentle, upward, circular motions for a gentle exfoliating scrub that will reveal more youthful, moisturized skin! For more healthy tips, head to www.thebeautybean.com. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.