Billy Bob Thornton credits his screenwriting career with an inspirational talk from late filmmaker Billy Wilder. The Hollywood actor decided to pursue a second career as a movie writer after a chat with Wilder, who co-wrote the screenplays for Some Like It Hot, The Apartment and The Seven Year Itch, and his decision was proved right when he won a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for 1997's Sling Blade.

Actress Jacinda Barrett was stunned to find decency still exists in Hollywood on the set of new comedy School For Scoundrels - co-star Jon Heder refuses to curse, swear or work on a Sunday. The Mormon actor's morals impressed Barrett, who plays his object of affection in the new film.

Marcia Cross has missed out on a dream role in a touching new movie because she's too famous. Cross asked her agent to call director Shane Stanley and request a lead role in his new movie “Corners” the day after picking up a Golden Globe Award earlier this year - but her joy was shattered when Stanley turned her down flat.