SHREK's Sieber And James, 'ROCK', 'POPPINS' Nab Nominations For 7th Annual 'RELLY Awards'

Top morning talk show "LIVE! with Regis and Kelly" has announced the nominees for the show's 7th annual Relly Awards, with a wide array of top talent in the running, including names like Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck, Seth Rogen and Jamie Foxx.

The Rellys recognize the best on-air moments of the past year on "LIVE," with the winners decided by the show's at-home viewing audience, who cast their votes online at RellyAwards.com. The winner in each category takes home the coveted Golden Stool trophy, which has become one of the entertainment industry's most sought-after awards. The winners will be announced the week of September 21st, 2009.

Controversy is in the air during this season's Rellys. With the elimination of the BEST HOST CHAT category, for the first time in Relly history Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are not guaranteed to take home a Golden Stool, a major blow to the two hosts.

The BEST REGIS category has proved to be controversial in the past as well, as "LIVE" host Regis Philbin has been shut out for five years straight. This year is his sixth nomination in The category, and it may be his toughest competition yet: previous nominees Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks and "LIVE" co-host Kelly Ripa; past winners Jimmy Fallon and Neil Patrick Harris; and first-time nominees Jerry O'Connell, Amy Poehler and Broadway's Christopher Sieber. A few years ago, Ripa's husband Mark Consuelos bowed out of the competition after winning the title, but there is no indication that Fallon or Harris will do the same in 2009.

The Rellys this year also include categories such as FAVORITE FUNNY GUEST and FAVORITE NEWBIE. Funniest guest nominees include the multi-talented Jamie Foxx, actor Seth Rogen and the legendary George Hamilton. Some of "LIVE's" first time, or "Newbie" nominees are "American Idol" winner Kris Allen, "Harry Potter" star Rupert Grint" and the lovely Cameron Diaz.

New categories have been added to the roster this year, such as BEST JUNIOR ACHIEVER: PROFESSIONAL, which include teen sensation Miley Cyrus, Dylan and Cole Sprouse and singer Demi Lovato. FAVORITE RIPA DANCE PARTNER is another Relly Award category that debuts this year. Some of the nominees vying for the title are "Dancing with the Stars" judge Bruno Tonioli, actor Gerard Butler, music superstar MC Hammer and "Ugly Betty's" Michael Urie. The SENSATIONAL SENIOR category recognizes the many elderly champs that have taken on Regis in various sports throughout the year, and The BEST GAME category pays homage to the many exciting and outrageous challenges that Regis and Kelly have competed in on the show.

These categories and more will be featured during the 2009 Relly Awards, airing the week of September 21st 2009 on "LIVE! with Regis and Kelly." "LIVE" is executive produced by Michael Gelman, and is distributed by Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Produced by WABC-TV in New York, "LIVE! with Regis and Kelly" airs every weekday morning in more than 200 markets across the country.

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