Woods becomes ‘Rudy’

Los Angeles Emmy winner James Woods will play former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in a two-hour cable movie to air later this year on USA Network.

“Rudy!” is expected to chronicle Giuliani’s tenure as mayor of the nation’s largest city, culminating with his work after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Woods, 55, received Oscar nominations for his work in 1986’s “Salvador” and 1996’s “Ghosts of Mississippi.” He also gave Emmy-winning performances in the 1980s for “Promise” and “My Name is Bill W.”

The script for “Rudy!” is being written by Stanley Weiser, whose credits include “Wall Street,” “Fatherland” for HBO and “Witness to the Mob” for NBC. The film will be based on the book “Rudy!” by The Village Voice senior editor Wayne Barrett.

Snoop pleads no contest

Oberlin, Ohio Snoop Dogg pleaded no contest to marijuana possession charges, and received a $250 fine and a suspended 30-day jail sentence.

The 30-year-old rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after his tour bus was stopped Oct. 17 in nearby Amherst by the State Highway Patrol for speeding. Drug-sniffing dogs found six bags of marijuana weighing about 200 grams in the cargo hold of the bus.

Defense attorney Jay Milano entered the plea Tuesday on behalf of Broadus, who was not required to appear in Oberlin Municipal Court.

Mrs. Osbourne to head VH1’s royal tribute

New York VH1 has picked Sharon Osbourne, the foul-mouthed matriarch of the Osbourne clan, to help pay tribute to a royal matriarch Queen Elizabeth II.

Osbourne will be the host of VH1’s broadcast of the all-star concert celebrating the queen’s Golden Jubilee. Osbourne’s husband, Ozzy, will perform at the June 3 concert, along with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin and Paul McCartney. A taped performance by Elton John, who will be on tour, will be shown.

VH1 is scheduled to air highlights from the concert on June 9.

The pop concert will be staged in the garden of Buckingham Palace as part of a weekend of festivities to mark the queen’s 50 years on the throne.

Pavarotti hoarse but here

Modena, Italy He was hoarse, but Luciano Pavarotti didn’t skip a singing engagement that’s close to his heart the tenor’s annual charity concert in his hometown of Modena in northern Italy.

The “Pavarotti & Friends” concert on Tuesday raised funds for refugees in Zambia.

Pavarotti sang the 1990s Italian song “Miserere” in a duet with Andrea Bocelli, then thanked the crowd for its enthusiasm. He appeared tired, at one point leaning on a baby grand piano for support.

The 66-year-old also sang with Gino Paoli, a veteran Italian singer.