ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

ENTERTAINMENT

Writers Guild Nominations: In yet another possible Oscar indicator, the Writers Guild of America has nominated “Bulworth,” “The Opposite of Sex,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Shakespeare in Love” and “The Truman Show” for best original screenplay in 1998, and nominated “A Civil Action,” “Gods and Monsters,” “Out of Sight,” “Primary Colors” and “A Simple Plan” for best adapted screenplay. Winners will be announced Feb. 20.

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O’Connor Denies Allegations: Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor confirmed Wednesday that she has been questioned by London authorities about child neglect accusations, but the mother of two characterized the claims as “without foundation . . . made in a deliberate attempt to hurt me both professionally and personally.” In a statement issued through her lawyers, O’Connor, 32, acknowledged that a police-affiliated social worker interviewed her Monday about the care of her daughter Roisin, 2, and “agreed that the complaints were without foundation.” Officials with London’s child protective services could not be reached for comment. O’Connor told a British newspaper that the claim “was made out of vindictiveness” by the child’s father, Irish writer John Waters. O’Connor, who has embraced the treatment of children as a personal cause, has often detailed abuse she suffered as a child.

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Pop Chart: Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown’s “Chyna Doll” is the nation’s new No. 1 album, with 173,000 copies sold in its debut week. It becomes the fourth new album to hold the spot in as many weeks (no album has held the top spot for more than two weeks since Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” ruled throughout December).

QUICK TAKES

Spanish-language station KMEX-TV scored a tremendous victory Monday when its telenovela “La Usurpadora” won its 8-9 p.m. time period in Los Angeles, garnering stronger ratings than its English-language network competitors. . . . While guesting on CBS’ “Late Late Show With Tom Snyder” on Tuesday, Graham Nash announced that former musical partner Neil Young will reteam with Crosby, Stills and Nash for a 40-date concert tour in the fall. He added that the foursome are currently at work on a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young reunion album. . . . Lotfi Mansouri, 69, will retire as general director of the San Francisco Opera after the conclusion of the 2000-01 season. Mansouri--who is actively involved in the search for his successor--has held the general director post for 10 years. . . . Former KCAL-TV general manager David Woodcock has been hired as the new president and general manager of KCOP-TV, where he served as station manager in the ‘80s. He’ll replace longtime KCOP chief Rick Feldman, who’s leaving the station at the end of March.