"The Reader" finally gets a release date as Rudin and Weinstein settle feud

Looks like Kate Winslet will continue to ride two Oscar ponies on the best actress derby track.

Forget the vicious gossip you've been hearing that Scott Rudin is battling behind the scenes to stop Harvey Weinstein from pushing up the release of the film they produced together, "The Reader" so it can land in this Oscar derby. Rudin also produced "Revolutionary Road," which stars Kate Winslet too and is a major contender for Oscars.

Some of the rumors have been juicy. One is that Rudin will trip Harvey up with a nasty lawsuit. Another claims that Winslet told Harvey that, if he continues with this reckless plan to release "The Reader" on Dec. 12, she'll refuse to do any Oscar campaigning. Actors, remember, can be nominated for only one film per category, and it's logical to assume that she'd prefer to be nominated for her role in "Revolutionary Road," directed by her husband, Sam Mendes (Oscar champ, "American Beauty"). Read more about both pix HERE.

Another rumor claims that Harvey's so hellbent to get "The Reader" out in time for the next Oscars that he'll release it in December even if it's not quite finished. The film was still in rough cut when it was screened recently in Manhattan, generating such positive reax that Harvey pushed up its release. It's true that "The Reader's" director has another major, timely demand weighing on him right now: Stephen Daldry is rushing to debut the stage adaptation of "Billy Elliot" on Broadway Nov. 13.

But to clear up all of these dramas, Rudin and Weinstein just issued this notice: "We are issuing this statement together to emphasize the fact that we are in complete agreement on the date we have chosen to release 'The Reader.' Working together, we developed a plan to extend the post-production schedule in order to give Stephen Daldry the additional time he needs to successfully complete the film in time to release it on December 12, 2008."

Stephen Daldry adds: "On their own, Scott and Harvey spent this weekend working together to find a way to accommodate my needs so that I may fulfill my obligation to the studio without compromising my vision for the film. I am thrilled and relieved that we have all found a way forward to work together to bring 'The Reader' to theaters this year."