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What You Need To Know In Entertainment – January 2015

January always marks a fresh new start to the year and with it, a plethora of new events, festivals, shows, and films worth checking out. Here's what you can't afford to miss this January:

AWARD SEASON KICKS OFF

Golden Globes w/ Tina Fey & Amy Poehler ((Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

People's Choice Awards (Jan. 7)

"People's Choice Awards" were handed out Jan. 7th, with CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" taking home multiple major honors along with Robert Downey Jr., Taylor Swift and Ellen DeGeneres.

Golden Globes (Jan. 11)

One of the bigger award shows, the "Golden Globes", airs Jan. 11th with nominees such as Steve Carell, Amy Adams, Bill Murray vying for awards. This year, Julianne Moore will be seeking a Golden Globe win for her titular role in "Still Alice", based on the Simon & Schuster book!

SAG Awards (Jan. 25)

The end of the month brings the "Screen Actors Guild Awards" on Jan. 25th, which don't get as much coverage as the "Golden Globes" or "EMMYs," but are prominent in the entertainment industry for actors getting recognition from their peers. Nominations include Michael Keaton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Steve Carrell again.

MOVIE RELEASES

The Wedding Ringer w/ Kevin Hart (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)

Selma (Jan. 9)

Based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by civil rights activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Selma opens nationwide on Jan. 9th, and is said to be "a special movie that will surely be in the mix at Oscar time."

Taken 3 (Jan. 9)

Opening the same weekend as "Selma," the third (and supposed final) installment of the "Taken" series stars Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, an ex-government operative accused of murdering his wife who will do anything to find the real killer.

The Wedding Ringer(Jan. 16)

Starring CBS' "The Big Bang Theory's" Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, comedian Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, this comedy focuses on a man who provides best man services to socially challenged guys' weddings.

Paddington (Jan. 16)

"Paddington" follows the beloved children's book character as he acclimates to life in London and his new family, making for what is sure to be a favorite for all ages.

American Sniper (Jan. 16)

This film is based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, a man proclaimed the most lethal sniper in American history. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, some are saying the movie is a shoe-in for the Oscar shortlist.

MUSIC AND FILM FESTIVALS

Sundance Film Festival (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 22)

Held in Salt Lake City, Utah, the film festival is the largest independent film festival in the U.S. and is synonymous with bringing attention to movies like "Garden State," "Napoleon Dynamite," and "Little Miss Sunshine" among others. And if you have the time, why not check out the rest of Utah.  Apparently, it's possible to have the time of your life in as little as five days.

The Night Before (Jan. 31)

The exclusive concert, featuring performances by Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Dierks Bentley,  will be held at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona the night before the Super Bowl, so if you're looking for a fun night out before the biggest football match-up of the year, get your tickets here.

Coachella & Governors Ball

While you might have to wait until summer to get your party on at California's Coachella music festival or New York's Governors Ball, the tickets for the big events are on sale now and have been for some time now. In fact, Coachella tickets are already sold out, so don't waste any time in purchasing your Governors Ball tickets here.

TELEVISION PREMIERES

Shameless (Photo by Brian Bowen Smith/Showtime)

Shameless (Jan. 11)

January is a big month for CBS' sister network Showtime, with premieres of "Shameless" and a slew of other comedy hits. The fifth season of "Shameless" premieres at 9PM and finds the Gallaghers dealing with both the upside and downside of personal and urban renewal as their neighborhood moves towards gentrification and the family reconciles their chaotic past.

House of Lies (Jan. 11)

Starring Don Cheadle and Kristen Belle, the fourth season of "House of Lies" premieres at 10PM on Showtime and follows main character Marty Kaan after a double-cross and a visit from federal agents.

Episodes (Jan. 11)

"Episodes" returns for its fourth season on Showtime at 10:30PM with Golden Globe Award-winning Matt LeBlanc appearing as a fictionalized version of himself facing a financial crisis and making some tough decisions.

Web Therapy (Jan. 14)

Showtime is throwing a mini-"Friends" reunion with Matthew Perry guest starring on the Lisa Kudrow comedy "Web Therapy" for two episodes three days after the season premiere of Matt LeBlanc's "Episodes." Premiering with two new episodes at 11PM on Showtime, "Web Therapy" will see Perry as a lawyer, and pathological liar, who is about be disbarred and needs Kudrow's help.

Shawn Thomas writes Entertainment & Lifestyle content for CBS Local. Follow him on Twitter.

 

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