Timberlake Talks Acting, *cough* Gift Wrap with Couric

Justin Timberlake is serious about the craft of acting, he said when asked about his theatrical ambitions by a dubious Katie Couric on CBS’s "All Access Grammy Special.”

“I think pop culture has done a number on creativity, because for me to make that statement, I get the reaction: 'Really?'" he said. "It's like, 'Yeah, why wouldn't I?' The opportunity is there. It's sort of like, I have a day job, and this becomes a hobby (that) I can plunge into with full creative eagerness."

Couric went on to ask Timberlake about his motivation for the SNL skit "Dick in a Box," coughing over the offending word.

"Well, I mean, let's talk about it. I happen to think it's a thoughtful holiday gift," he said.

Timberlake is nominated for a Grammy for best pop collaboration with vocals for his performance on Madonna's hit "4 Minutes," a track Timberlake co-wrote and co-produced with Timbaland.

The real question will be whether the buzz created by Couric will contribute to good ratings when the show airs Feb. 8. One awards-show producer says that if the Grammys do well, it might make the Oscars producers want to rethink their strategy about not revealing the award presenters prior to the Feb. 22 broadcast.

“You have to hand it to the Grammy’s this year," the producer said. "They have been nothing if not about the buzz, and being open about the talent that would be performing was crucial for that. The Oscars could come to regret all the secrecy surrounding their presenters if the Grammys have a good year.”

Angelina Jolie and Mariane Pearl team up for new project
Angelina Jolie has another project in the works: she is the executive producer of "Resilient," a film that tells the stories of strong women from different countries.

Mariane Pearl, the widow of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, will interview five women who have overcome tough odds to bring about change in their communities. Unison Films will release the movie next year.

Britney and K-Fed could tour together
Britney Spears wants the kids on tour with her, and ex-husband Kevin Federline has custody.

Solution? Ever the enterprising one, Federline might book some touring dates of his own to coincide with Spears.

Federline's attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan said "Kevin is working to make (the boys) accessible by going on various central locations in various areas of the country. He is doing that because he wants her to be able to have the maximum positive environment around her to assure that the tour will be successful."

Weekend box office
Four films will have wide release this weekend, but only two stand a real chance of facing off at the box office. 

First up, “Pink Panther 2,” which opens in more than 3,000 theaters. The first iteration of the remake in 2006 had a $20 million opening weekend, which would seem to bode well for the sequel. It’s PG-rated, and has more adult appeal than “Coraline,” which also opens wide this weekend.

But “Panther” is really competing against “He’s Just Not That Into You,” which is also opening wide. The magical PG-13 rating, a trailer that appeals to men, women and couples — I don’t see how it won’t pull ahead of “Panther” for the number one spot.

Also opening, but not a contender, “Push,” which will play in 2,200 theaters.

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Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on msnbc.com.

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