The Circuit

This AP report in the New York Times on the Palm Springs fest has echoes of what happened to AFI FEST last year -- the strike is the looming topic of conversation, but through a different lens. 

As the celebs file into the desert resort town to collect some of the first awards of the season, press talk is now all about the hobbled Globes and Oscars.  While more and more inches are devoted to the award shows' ailing health, I doubt the unemployed (and woefully under-covered by the media) are shedding much of a tear.

The AP even pulls in Britney Spears into the piece.  And just when you think there's no way to steer the story back to what it's about (Palm Springs fest, remember?), here comes "Juno":

''I feel bad, you know, because everyone kind of judges [Spears] and splatters her business everywhere,'' said Ellen Page, who appeared in the film ''Juno.'' ''No one goes, 'Why is this happening?' They just judge and judge and judge. It's too bad.''

Too bad, indeed.

Ellen Page at the 19th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala.  Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com.