Good news for all of you aspiring art stars! The Metropolis Art Prize 2009—$20,000, plus a chance to see your video displayed on the big screens at Times Square—has just announced a deadline extension for entries. The new date is October 25. For futher details and a place to upload your video, check out the Metropolis Art prize site here.

We are now in what must be called Phase Three of Project Jennifer Connelly—her post-bombshell dramatist phase. It began with the one-two punch of Requiem for a Dream and A Beautiful Mind. Yet it’s easy to cast back longingly to Phase Two, when Connelly’s curves and naughtiness showed up in material like Mulholland Falls, Inventing the Abbotts and The Hot Spot (ouch). But if I’m being totally honest, the version of Connelly I most prefer is Phase One, the period in which her sparky teenage braininess stole away Sergio Leone’s epic Once Upon a Time in America, partnered her with David Bowie in Labyrinth and commandeered this bizarre 1985 Italian horror film by maestro Dario Argento. (Connelly fun fact: She speaks fluent Italian.) In Phenomena, her 14-year-old character shares a strange psychic bond with swarms of insects, creatures she loves. Only slightly less creepy, she also bonds with bug expert Donald Pleasence. The movie plays at 9pm at the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

Looks like we’ve got a proper midnight sensation on our hands: Paranormal Activity, a Blair Witch–like low-budget shocker, is beginning to pick up buzz from sold-out shows. Tonight it plays the Film Society of Lincoln Center at 7pm as part of its “Scary Movies 3” series, solidly curated (if a touch unadventurously). Other titles to check out include Candyman—giving lie to the idea that the 1990s were berefit of decent horror—and Dario Argento’s Phenomena, starring a teenage Jennifer Connelly circa Labyrinth.

Call it another British invasion—this time, of tough-minded cinema featuring arrogant characters with bad teeth. Two excellent films open today: Bronson, a “bizarre and mighty prison film” per our review, with an unforgettable performance by Tom Hardy (above). Here’s Dave’s interview with him. Then there’s The Damned United, which is sort of a movie about soccer, but not really. It concerns a hubristic coach played by Michael Sheen—and if the presence of this excellent second banana (The Queen, Frost/Nixon) doesn’t get you stoked, you need some serious correctional work. Then again, maybe you just want to stay in. Rent some of these, taken from our truly “banging” top-ten movie haircuts of all time.

We’re highlighting a selection of $50 treatments all week (October 12–18) that will help you unwind and calm down. For a full list of spas (more than 150 are participating) and to book an appointment, visit spaweek.com.

Yelo
Tempted to nap under your desk? Avoid awkward stares from coworkers and head to Yelo, a unique wellness center that offers sleep, reflexology treatments, massages and facials. Yelo promises to help you relax, increase alertness and promote overall well-being. Available treatments include 25 minutes of reflexology and a 20-minute YeloNap (normally $95), and a 25-minute massage and a 20-minute hot-chocolate foot scrub ($105). 315 W 57th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-245-8235). Subway: A, C, B, D, 1 to 59th St–Columbus Circle.

Homme Spa
You’ll feel right at home at this full-service spa for men and women. Cool off with a 45-minute Homme Signature Hot Towel Massage (normally $150 for 90 minutes), which uses various techniques and 16 hot towels on your body to work out kinks. Or choose a 50-minute spa manicure and pedicure with a hand-and foot-smoothing anticallus paraffin treatment (originally $125). 465 Lexington Ave between 45th and 46th Sts (212-983-0033, hommespa.com). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 42nd St–Grand Central.

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We’re highlighting a selection of $50 treatments all week (October 12–18) that will help you unwind and calm down. For a full list of spas (more than 150 are participating) and to book an appointment, visit spaweek.com.

Great Jones Spa
Based on the theory that water brings health, this Noho mainstay is outfitted with a popular water lounge that boasts subterranean pools, saunas and steam rooms (five hours of access usually costs $50). Unwind with a Spa Manicure and Pedicure (originally $110), or tidy up unwanted hair with a Brazilian wax (normally $110) or eyebrow and lip wax (usually $95), all of which include a free pass to the water lounge. 29 Great Jones St at Lafayette St (212-505-3185). Subway: 6 to Astor Pl.

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A little secret: Tuesday night is “cozy night” at Film Forum. It’s not really. But wouldn’t that be a fun tradition for them to have? Seriously: Go to the esteemed venue during the middle of the working week and there’s a serene vibe to be had. No crazy crowds. No long lines. Just you, your hon and a classic rom-com like Some Like It Hot (tonight at 4:30, 7 and 9:30pm; final three days!). How nice does that sound?

The economy is down and stress is up, so now is a great time to treat yourself to a little (discounted) pampering. We’re highlighting a selection of $50 treatments all week (October 12–18) that will help you unwind and calm down. For a full list of spas (more than 150 are participating) and to book an appointment, visit spaweek.com.

Euphoria Spa
Don’t waste your money on mind-altering drugs to reach a euphoric state, just visit this cozy and welcoming oasis and you’re sure to feel at ease. Try the Blue Agave Enzyme Facial (normally $185), a ten-step fresh-air treatment that promises to fight aging by increasing cellular turnover to create soft, smooth skin. The refreshing and detoxifying Blue Agave Swedish Massage (usually $125) uses the Blue Agave plant, which is rich in nutrients and known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re not in search of a relaxing spa session, try the Intense Pulse Light Hair Reduction procedure for underarms or bikini (originally $220). 18 Harrison St between Greenwich and Hudson Sts, second floor (212-925-5925, euphoriaspanyc.com). Subway: 1 to Franklin St.

DevaSpa
Located underneath the city streets, DevaSpa is a subterranean cave of relaxation. Forget your worries with a 50-minute Deva Express Facial (typically 30 minutes for $95), a 75-minute Tender Feet Deluxe Pedicure (originally $75) or a 50-minute Sea Me Exfoliating Treatment (normally 30 minutes for $75). 425 Broome St at Grand St (212-274-8686, devachansalon.com). Subway: N, R, W to Prince St; 6 to Spring St.

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Have you done a little NYFFing yet? (Sounds dirty.) The New York Festival proceeds apace and tickets are still available. We’re reviewing everything here, and while we haven’t been thrilled with all titles, tonight’s 6pm show of Everyone Else would merit our endorsement. It’s a breakup movie—a neurotic, passive-aggressive one at that. But director Maren Ade is a filmmaker worth watching. As of right now, Lincoln Center is reporting ticket availability.

What’s on the menu this weekend? Getting underway tonight is a little thing we like to call the New York Film Festival. TONY is reviewing every movie on the slate; click through for our exhaustive coverage (we were certainly exhausted by Antichrist), as well as our recommended nine picks. Tickets for many are still available. Your nonfest options are also strong: Coco Before Chanel is “highbrow guilty-pleasure gold,” per our reviewer, Karina Longworth. So get dolled up and head out. And who wouldn’t like watching The Shining at midnight at IFC Center tonight and tomorrow? I’ll tell you who: my ex-girlfriend. But she’s totally being unfair! It’s a horror film and supposed to be scary. “I don’t like horror movies because they scare me” is sort of a conversation-stopper. So unhelpful. Moving on!

We’d all but declared Fashion Week over, and then Isaac Mizrahi busted out the following surprises, ensuring that his collection was seared onto our brains. The first model out paraded up and down the stairs of what looked like a huge metal easel and onto the runway, which was dressed with speed bumps and direction markings. As more models walked out in shiny, liquidlike sequined dresses and wove through the chaotic pathway, the thin silver apparatus hanging above the runway began to pour water, mimicking rain. The girls were escorted underneath the water source by an anonymous man holding an umbrella. Lastly, when you thought it couldn’t get any kookier, a golf car burst out of the curtain dropping the final model at the foot of the runway for a lengthy pose.—Anna Brand