December 3, 2008 Swayze says he's beating cancer Play video

(NECN/ABC) - Patrick Swayze is fighting back at tabloid reports that he is near death. The actor, who is being treated for pancreatic cancer, tells "People" magazine that it is a battle and so far he is winning. Swayze says he is one of the lucky few who responds well to treatment.

Anne Hathaway is feeling independent these days. She's one of the actresses nominated for an "Independent Spirit Award" for her role in "Rachel Getting Married." Michele Williams also gets a nod. Best acting nominees include Sean Penn for "Milk" and Javier Bardem for Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

Martin Scorsese is casting his new pilot for HBO. It's called "Boardwalk Empire" and it's based on a book about the origins of Atlantic City in the 1920s. Steve Buscemi is in talks to star as a businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the beginning of prohibition.

ABC's Carla Wohl has more in this Showbiz Wrap-up.