By KAYLA TASCHEN

Two of New York City's best kept secrets are the New York Times TimesTalks and the Arts & Leisure Weekend Series. For an affordable $30 a ticket, anyone who happens to be in the Big Apple, can sit down to see an intimate and rather fascinating interview setting—at the beautifully designed Renzo Piano Times Center— between a NY Times journalist and a prominent public figure. The 2012 Arts & Leisure Series kicked off last night with musician Alison Kraus and actor and comedian, David Cross.

Julianne Moore at The New York Times TimesTalks

Last year we were lucky enough to have access to see some of the most fascinating people in the celebrity scene, and Julianne Moore definitely falls under one of our favorites. Have a watch at a clip from her TimesTalk last year (featured above), and a look at the talented line-up for the NY Times's Arts & Leisure Weekend Series, this year (listed below). The series is also being live-streamed for those of us who aren't able to attend, this time around. To learn more about the NY Times Arts & Leisure, visit www.artsandleisureweekend.com, and to check it out on live-stream, go HERE.

The NY Times Arts & Leisure Weekend Line-up 2012

01.05

6 – 7:15 PM

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MUSIC

Alison Krauss

Interviewed by DANA JENNINGS

Don’t miss the bluegrass-country singer, songwriter and musician with 26 Grammy Awards to her credit.

01.05

8 – 9:15 PM

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SCREEN

David Cross

Interviewed by DAVE ITZKOFF

The Emmy Award winner and Grammy Award nominee talks about his career on stage and screens both big and small, including IFC’s “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret,” which he stars in and created, co-wrote and produced.

01.06

6 – 7:15 PM

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TELEVISION

“The Good Wife” Cast & Creators

Moderated by PATRICIA COHEN

See the hit TV show’s Emmy-winning star, Julianna Margulies, along with Christine Baranski, Josh Charles and the show’s creators, Robert and Michelle King.

01.06

8 – 9:15 PM

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FILM

Errol Morris

Interviewed by GEORGE KALOGERAKIS

Don’t miss the Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker (“The Thin Blue Line,” “The Fog of War”) and author of the new book “Believing Is Seeing.”

01.07

10 – 11:15 AM

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SCREEN

Alan Rickman

Interviewed by PATRICK HEALY

The award-winning actor and director is currently starring on stage in “Seminar” on Broadway and on film as Professor Severus Snape in the latest Harry Potter film.

01.07

NOON – 1:15 PM

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LITERATURE

Patricia Cornwell

Interviewed by ROBERT LIPSYTE

See the best-selling author of “Red Mist,” the 19th book in the crime series featuring Kay Scarpetta.

01.07

2 – 3:15 PM

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MUSIC

Philip Glass

Hear the celebrated composer and musician who has had an extraordinary impact on the musical and intellectual life of his times.

01.07

4 – 5:15 PM

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SCREEN

Michael Shannon

Interviewed by DAVID CARR

See the Oscar-nominated film, television and stage actor, also known for his work in TV’s “Boardwalk Empire.“

01.07

6 – 7:15 PM

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MUSIC

Chris Cornell

Interviewed by JON PARELES

Don’t miss the Grammy Award-winning musician, leader of the grunge movement and acclaimed singer-songwriter-lyricist.

01.08

10 – 11:15 AM

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TELEVISION

Cesar Millan

Moderated by BENOIT DENIZET-LEWIS

At the start of his TV show’s new season, the “Dog Whisperer” discusses his philosophy of canine support and human training.

01.08

NOON – 1:15 PM

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STYLE

Simon Doonan

Interviewed by ERIK PIEPENBURG

Don’t miss the creative director, bon vivant, and author of the new book “Gay Men Don’t Get Fat.”

01.08

2 – 3:15 PM

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SCREEN

Carey Mulligan

Interviewed by CHARLES MCGRATH

The award-winning actress has mastered the craft of creating compelling characters in each of her films, especially in two of this year’s highly acclaimed hits: “Drive” and “Shame.”

01.08

4 – 5:15 PM

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MUSIC

Clive Davis

Interviewed by STEPHEN HOLDEN

The four-time Grammy Award-winning producer, chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member discusses his career and the music business.

01.08

6 – 7:15 PM

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SCREEN

Kristen Wiig & Paul Feig

Moderated by MELENA RYZIK

The star of TV's "Saturday Night Live" and the film "Bridesmaids," which she co-wrote, joins the director of the hit movie to discuss collaborating on comedy.

01.08

8 – 9:15 PM

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