ICYMI: SSN’S Top Original Stories For The Week of 12/9 – 12/13

2014 Oscar Underdogs: Best Supporting Actor

From James Franco to Sam Rockwell, here’s a look at five of our favorite underdog performances. (SSN)

In a Heated Race, Which 5 Directors Will Make the Oscar Ballot?

It’s mostly true that Best Picture and Best Director go hand-in-hand during awards season, since the Academy now allows for up to 10 Best Picture nominees but still only five in the Best Director category, a director could walk away empty-handed even if their film takes home the top prize. SSN takes a look at the leading contenders to make the ballot for Best Director. (SSN)

Winning Writing and Directing Oscars in the Same Year Doesn’t Happen as Often as You’d Think

Only twelve have been awarded for this ultimate creative achievement, and while three members of the club are potential winners again this year—Woody Allen and the Coen Brothers—there are five others who have at least an outside shot at becoming lucky number thirteen. (SSN)

SSN TV Development Season: Remakes, Updates & Maybe A Few Surprises

Even though TV development is year-round now, December is still a time when writers hunker down to finish their pilot scripts in the hope that January will bring good news about pilot pickups. As we watch reports of pilot orders roll in, we always hope there will be ones that make us excited for the next fall season. SSN takes a look. (SSN)

Celebrating 26 Time Oscar Winner Walt Disney With His 10 Best Quotes

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, and passed away on December 15, 1966, so in honor of his life and work, here are 10 of his best quotes. (SSN)

ROI Insight: Why Tyler Perry and Lionsgate will Continue to Make Madea Films

Madea goes to the bank: the revenue & ROI of the Madea franchise. (SSN)