With critical pre-negotiations between writers, actors and studios continuing in Hollywood, the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) has announced the essential line up for its annual awards bash. Tony Award winning actress and comedienne Lily Tomlin (The Search for Intelligent Signs of Life in the Universe) will be joined by Christine Baranski, as well as "Third Rock from the Sun"'s Jane Curtin (emcee), "The Soprano"'s Edie Falco (Side Man) and broadcasters Chuck Scarborough and Leslie Stahl as they present WGAE awards for excellence in writing for broadcast media.

The 53rd Annual Writers Guild Awards will be held on March 4 at the Plaza Hotel. The event begins with a 6 PM reception, followed by cocktails, dinner and an awards presentation at 8 PM. A simultaneous WGA West event will be held in Hollywood on the same date.

—By Murdoch McBride