The 2013 Oscar nominations are officially public. We talk with two film critics about the crowded field of contenders for Hollywood’s top prize.

The American Dialect Society names "hashtag" the word of the year. We speak with a local linguist who helped crown the winner.

Marimba music fills a South Side church and creates opportunities for young musicians. We have the story.

We preview a fresh, exuberant take on Gilbert and Sullivan by the gods of Chicago storefront theater.

Lovie Smith is out. Who will be in as the Bears' next head coach? James "Big Cat" Williams gives us his take on some of the leading contenders.

James "Big Cat" Williams gives us his Super Bowl picks, and tells us what’s ahead this winter for Big Cat Charities.

Chicago artist Leo Segedin, 86, is still painting about his childhood on the west side, and dancing into old age.

Need some ideas what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what's going on!

What happens when The Second City teams with the Lyric Opera of Chicago? We find out from some of the principal planners of this meeting of musical and comedy minds.

A Chicago criminologist has new insight into the origins of Chicago organized crime.

Need some ideas what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on!

We revisit the set of an international, big budget action film shot here in Chicago.

The director of one of next year's biggest Indian films discusses why he decided to film in Chicago.

Tom Cruise stars as the Hollywood version of author Lee Child's character, Jack Reacher. We revisit a conversation with Child about his best-selling books, the new movie and the latest installment in the Reacher series.

Jay Shefsky introduces us to a suburban fisherman who began carving fish out of wood when his taxidermy collection filled his entire basement.

We revisit a conversation with Curb Your Enthusiasm's Jeff Garlin – and his mother. It's an interview you won't want to miss.