Oscar politics

From Washington Whispers:
Usually Hollywood borrows from Washington for on-screen drama, but now studios and stars are using cutthroat political campaign strategies to win the Oscar. The latest twist: Washington-trained campaign strategists have been hired for the battle for best actress. Insiders say they're involved in a vicious whispering, E-mail, and rumor campaign to help - or sink - Hilary Swank, star of Warner Bros. "Million Dollar Baby", and Annette Bening, star of Sony's "Being Julia". It's so hot, said one consultant, that the attacks could lead to a surprise winner.