Depending on which media outlets you're reading, you're either convinced the writers' strike is over, or you're cautiously optimistic that it will be soon but you're not counting your chickens just yet. Seems one former Disney exec has proclaimed the strike to be at an end. Unfortunately, Michael Eisner may not know exactly what he's talking about. (Why does this come as no surprise to me?)

Eisner is quoted as saying, "I have some friends in certain places and I believe there was a handshake last Friday ... it's possible they (the writers) will turn it down but it would be insane if they turned it down." Call me a pessimist, but it sounds like posturing to me. His statements are being widely reported as confirmation that all is said and done, but that's not exactly the truth of the matter. In fact, the WGA released its own statement earlier in the week, warning its membership to be wary of reports that claim a settlement is "imminent." For me, this yes-it's-over-no-it-isn't dance is frustrating. The writers are meeting on Saturday to go over the ins and outs of the current proposal, which is a good sign. But a handshake is not a signature on the dotted line.

All this workplace strife has me thinking of movies I love in which workers fought against the powers that be for what was fair and right. More specifically, I'm remembering movies in which women bucked the system for the betterment of not just themselves, but every other woman in the system. In the spirit of solidarity, I thought I'd share those films with you.

Let's start with the classic Norma Rae, starring Sally Field.

Based on a true story of one woman's efforts to unionize the workers at the textile mill where she worked, this was Field's first Oscar-winning performance. (Her second speech was more memorable though.)

1983 brought us the brilliance of Meryl Streep and one of the best performances of Cher's career, all wrapped up in one depressing little package called Silkwood.

And did I mention it was penned by Alice Arlen and one Nora Ephron? All four women got Oscar nods for their work on the film. … continue reading

Last night, the nominees for the 34th Annual People's Choice Awards were announced. Brian has a rundown on AfterElton.com, but here are a few highlights:

Favorite Leading Lady: Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah

Favorite Female Action Star: Jessica Alba, Jodie Foster, Keira Knightley

Favorite Female Movie Star: Halle Berry, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon

Favorite Female TV Star: Sally Field, Katherine Heigl, Jennifer Love Hewitt

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Just like you can’t schedule an epiphany, you can’t plan an "a-ha" moment, and that’s what makes them so enjoyable when they do occur. This was a casting news "a-ha," so it wasn’t a moment in time that will alter my life or anything, but it still brought a smile to my face at the sheer "but of course!" reaction it brought about. Last week, it was announced that Sally Field has been cast as Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s yet-to-be-named Abraham Lincoln movie.

See, not life-altering, but my goodness, is that perfect casting or what? Look at this picture of Mary Todd Lincoln. Look closely.

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There’s actually a Sally Field resemblance — you know, give or take 140 years or so. Oh, and the bad dowdy clothes and hair ornamentation.

We've been hearing an awful lot about the elder stateswomen of Hollywood taking over the airwaves lately. From Glenn Close in Damages, Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer, Sally Field in Brothers & Sisters to Mary-Louise Parker in Weeds, Lili Taylor in State of Mind and Holly Hunter in Saving Grace, women of a certain age have been generating a whole lot of buzz. Even Whoopi Goldberg joining The View could be viewed as part of the "trend."

With all this positivity going on around about these lovely ladies, I'm led to wonder about the future. What I want to know is this: Are any of today's youngsters going to be ready to step up to the plate when these ladies take their final bows and gracefully exit the stage? Now, I know that's likely a long way off, but that doesn't make my curiosity any less. So I decided to don my Carnac the Magnificent-like turban and see if I could find any answers in my crystal ball. Forgive me if said crystal ball provides some somewhat strange replies. The power is on the fritz here due to some nasty thunderstorms last night, and I'm afraid my battery supply is being used elsewhere. (I meant in flashlights, people!) … continue reading