The Academy Awards, Oscars 2009

In case anyone has been living underneath a rock for the past six months, let me explain. This evening at 5PT/8ET, Live on ABC, the film event of the year is broadcast celebrating and awarding the best actors, actresses, directors and films of the past year.

Here's a quick lowdown on the biggest nominations-

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Total Nominations 13
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in David Fincher's new feature based on the 1921 short story by F.Scott Fitzgerald which itself was based on a quote by Mark Twain, "Life would be infinitely happier if only we could be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18," where the protagonist, Benjamin Button is born with the appearance and physical maladies of elderly man. Covering almost an entire century, we are taken on a journey stretching from New Orleans to Russia and back to New York City. Following Button as his mind matures but his body seemingly ages backwards and while he wrestles with changes both physically and mentally he is always drawn back to Daisy, played by Elle Fanning (the young Dakota) as a young girl and Cate Blanchett from her 20's till the end. This is the first time that Fincher has directed a love story, albeit an unconventional one, but it's certainly not what we have come to expect from the man who bought us 'Panic Room', 'Seven' and 'Zodiac', and yet he hits the note perfectly, showing a real relationship over time and the deterioration of both Button (in a gut wrenching scene as a baby in the elderly Daisy's arm) and Daisy herself as she goes back to her love.
This film was my favourite of the last year, and I feel it deserves to win Best Picture but also Best Cinematography and Best Make Up.

2. Slumdog Millionaire
Total Nominations 10
Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) returns to form after a couple of years with a love story, based on Vikas Swarup's book 'Q & A', set in Mumbai. We follow Dev Patel's (one of the stars of the UK's teen drama, Skins) character Jamal as he is being questioned by police as to how he has managed to get one question away from winning India's 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?'. At the very beginning of the film the audience are given a choice- did Jamal A. Cheat B. He's lucky C. He's a genius or D. It's written? As the film continues we are taken to the slums of Mumbai in Jamal's story explaining how he knows the answer to each of the questions asked. Jamal, along with his brother Salim and a girl who Jamal gradually falls in love with, Latika, the audience are shown the history of the magnificent city and how the children survived for so long. Boyle's best known work, Trainspotting, showed that he was not scared to show the dark side of life and again that is seen in 'Slumdog'. He doesn't shy aware from showing the trauma that these children went through whether they are trying to get away from a man who blinds children to get more money on the street or gangsters who want to sell women- it's all in here. But what you have to remember is that it's not all doom and gloom, instead, 'Slumdog' is being hailed as one of the 'Best Feel Good Movies of the Decade', whether you agree with that is up to you but there are plenty of laughs and romance along the way. The children who played the three characters showed some of the best child acting the cinema has seen in a long time as they captured the characters just as they were written.
The decision to advertise the film as if it were a Mamma Mia! 'feel good' movie is an inspired one, even if it totally misrepresents the film and the director is unhappy with the deception. Audiences who will likely be shocked at the torture scenes that appear at the start of the film, but feeling beholden to stay to the end because they've already paid, will by the end feel they've been on a journey and seen a worthy film, even if it wasn't the one they'd been sold.
Personally, I thought 'Slumdog Millionaire' was a very good film, but not my film of the year.

3. Milk
Total Nominations 8
Gus Van Sant's Harvey Milk biopic, racked up eight nominations after being virtually ignored by the Golden Globes. 'Slumdog's' status as the presumptive winner doesn't seem to deter the 'Milk' men, "It's a clean slate... and what will happen now- unlike with the nominations- is all of the Academy will vote for all the different Oscars, so it's a completely different voting pool," says Bruce Cohen who produced 'Milk' with Dan Jinks. Van Sant returns after quietly releasing 'Paranoid Park' last year with an Academy friendly film based on a controversial subject. Audience's everywhere are likely to be drawn in half over this biopic about the first openly gay man to be elected in public office in California. With big stars such as Sean Penn and Josh Brolin connected to the work, it certainly shows that Hollywood is not the institution it once was but instead is accepting of everyone what ever their colour or sexuality- it has finally come into this century. The film has received widespread acclaim from film critics.
A.O. Scott of The New York Times called Milk, "A Marvel", and wrote the film "is a fascinating, multi-layered history lesson. In its scale and visual variety it feels almost like a calmed-down Oliver Stone movie, stripped of hyperbole and Oedipal melodrama. But it is also a film that like Mr. Van Sant’s other recent work — and also, curiously, like David Fincher’s Zodiac, another San Francisco-based tale of the 1970s — respects the limits of psychological and sociological explanation."

4. The Reader
Total Nominations 5
After being away for a while, Kate Winslet returned with not one but two highly acclaimed films. 'Revolutionary Road' sees the Brit returning to the screen with her 'Titanic' co-star, Leo DiCaprio, based on the 1961 novel by Richard Yates. The other film was 'The Reader' based on the 1995 novel by Bernhard Schlink. It tells the story of Michael Berg, a German lawyer who as a teenager in the late 1950s had an affair with an older woman, Hanna Schmitz, who then disappeared only to resurface years later as one of the defendants in a war crimes trial stemming from her actions as a concentration camp guard late in the war. Michael realizes that Hanna is keeping a secret she believes is worse than her Nazi past, a secret that may cost her at the trial.
Winslet has been picking up awards everywhere for this film, beating competition like Meryl Streep (Doubt) and Angelina Jolie (The Changeling). Directed by Stephen Daldry who is best known for 'Billy Elliot' and 'The Hours', the film is hard hitting and it's deep tones resonate still today.

5. Frost/Nixon
Total Nominations 5
Frost/Nixon is a 2008 historical drama film based upon the play of the same name by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, which dramatises the 1977 televised Frost/Nixon interviews. The film version is directed by Ron Howard and reunites its original two stars from the West End and Broadway productions of the play, Frank Langella as former President of the United States Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as British television broadcaster David Frost.

As for predictions this evening, in bold (the people I believe deserve to win) and in italics (those I believe the Acadmey will award).

Actor in a Leading Role-
Sean Penn (Milk)
Sean Penn (Milk)

Actor in a Supporting Role-
Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)

Actress in a Leading Role-
Meryl Streep (Doubt)
Kate Winslet (The Reader)

Actress in a Supporting Role-
Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)

Animated Feature Film-
Wall-E
Wall-E

Art Direction-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Cinematography-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire

Costume Design-
Milk
The Duchess

Directing-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire

Documentary Feature-
Man on Wire
Man on Wire

Film Editing-
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire

Foreign Language Film-
Waltz With Bashir
The Baader Meinhof Complex

Make Up-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Music (Score)-
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire

Best Picture-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire

Visual Effects-
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire

Writing (Original Screenplay)
Milk
Milk

Slumdog Enjoys More Victory at the BAFTA's

Highlights from this year's Bafta Film Awards

British movie Slumdog Millionaire enjoyed a stunning night at the British Academy Film Awards in London, winning seven prizes including best film.

In a good night for UK talent, Kate Winslet won best actress for The Reader - effectively beating herself, as she was also up for Revolutionary Road.

The late Heath Ledger was named best supporting actor for playing The Joker in Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight.

The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke took home the best actor trophy.

As he collected his award, he made the audience laugh by swearing during his acceptance speech.

'Honoured'

He then dedicated his award to late actor Richard Harris, adding: "It's such a pleasure to be back here, out of the darkness."

It is the second time Winslet has won a Bafta, having previously been named best supporting actress for Sense and Sensibility in 1995.

Her latest victory comes hot on the heels of a double win at January's Golden Globes.

MAIN BAFTA WINNERS Best film: Slumdog Millionaire Best British film: Man on Wire Leading actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) Leading actress: Kate Winslet (The Reader) Supporting actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) Supporting actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionare) Full list of winners

As she collected her Bafta, Winslet paid tribute to the late producers Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack, who both worked on the film.

"You are much missed today, and you will be much missed for many years to come, and this is for you. Thank you. Thank you," she said.

She also thanked her friends and her parents, who were with her at the ceremony.

However, the actress said she could not look at them for fear of bursting into tears.

Penelope Cruz said she was "honoured and grateful" to be named best supporting actress for her role as Maria Elena in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

'Privilege'

Danny Boyle, who directed Slumdog Millionaire, was named best director.

On stage he told the audience he wanted to thank everyone who had helped put in an extension cable so his father could watch the show at home.

Kate Winslet had been nominated twice in the best actress category

As he thanked his family on stage, his son stood up and shouted from the audience: "I love you, dad."

The rag-to-riches movie - largely set in the Indian city of Mumbai - is hotly tipped to win best picture at the Oscars.

The film, starring former Skins actor Dev Patel, also won awards for its editing, cinematography, music and sound.

Slumdog writer Simon Beaufoy was awarded the prize for best adapted screenplay, saying it was a "great privilege" to have won.

"I have two pretend Baftas at home, so it's great to have a real one," he said.

Favourite

He revealed one Bafta was made of chocolate, while the other was a plastic replica he purchased online.

He added that the whole cast were "genuinely thrilled" at how people have been reacting to the film.

Danny Boyle being named best director for Slumdog Millionaire

Asked whether he thought he was in line to win an Oscar, however, he said: "There's no sense of entitlement."

He also revealed that at one point he thought the movie was going "straight to DVD".

Heath Ledger had been favourite to take the best supporting actor award and duly did so for his performance in the latest instalment of the Batman series.

The star, who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment in January last year, also won a posthumous Golden Globe last month.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt, had been nominated for 11 awards but walked away with just three.

Pitt, who arrived at the ceremony with his partner Angelina Jolie, missed out on the best actor award.

The movie, which tells the tale of a man who ages backwards, was recognised for its production design, its visual effects and its make-up and hair.

'Blubbering'

Documentary Man on Wire scooped best British film, while dark comedy In Bruges won the original screenplay trophy.

Elsewhere Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park was on hand to pick up the short animation prize for their latest adventure, A Matter of Loaf and Death.

Mickey Rourke was a popular winner of the best actor award

Doctor Who star Noel Clarke was named the winner of the Orange Rising Star Award, which is voted for by the public.

The star and director of urban drama Adulthood quoted President Barack Obama as he accepted his prize, telling his young fans: "Yes, we can."

French movie I've Loved You So Long, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, beat Waltz With Bashir and Gomorrah to the best foreign language film award.

The final prize of the night went to filmmaker Terry Gilliam, who received the prestigious Bafta Fellowship.

Earlier the former Monty Python member had joked he would be "blubbering" as his name was called and that he would have to be carried on stage.

Culture secretary Andy Burnham has praised the "talented individuals" who won this year, saying it had been "a brilliant night for the British film industry".

"I hope that in a fortnight's time we will be celebrating fresh triumphs on the biggest international stage there is, at the Oscars."

Source: BBC NEWS



Kate Winslet win Best Actress for The Reader!

Benjamin Button leads Oscar field

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has emerged as the frontrunner for this year's Oscars with 13 nominations.

Slumdog Millionaire, from Britain's Danny Boyle, was close behind with 10 nominations, including best film.

The Dark Knight and Milk received eight nominations, with the late Heath Ledger receiving a best supporting actor nod.

Meryl Streep scored a 15th Oscar nomination for her role in the film Doubt, alongside Kate Winslet for best actress in Stephen Daldry's The Reader.

Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire were joined by Milk, The Reader and Frost/Nixon as contenders for the coveted best picture prize.

Oscar nominations announced

"For Slumdog Millionaire to be included in the nominations for the Oscars is a huge honour," said lead actor Dev Patel.

"I have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the film. Thank you to everyone who has supported us. I truly feel blessed."

Winslet, receiving her sixth Oscar nomination, was the only British actor to be honoured with an Oscar nomination this year.

Aside from Streep, her rivals include Anne Hathaway for Rachel Getting Married, Melissa Leo for Frozen River and Angelina Jolie for The Changeling.

Jolie's real-life partner Brad Pitt was also celebrating. The 45-year-old led the best actor nominations for his role as Benjamin Button - a man who ages in reverse.

"I am proud and pleased for the film," Pitt told the BBC. "And particularly for David Fincher." Fincher, best known for Seven and Fight Club, picked up his first best director Oscar nomination.

BEST FILM NOMINEES The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Frost/Nixon Milk The Reader Slumdog Millionaire Send us your comments

Pitt goes head to head with Frank Langella, for his role as disgraced US president Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon, Sean Penn, as gay rights activist Harvey Milk in Milk, Richard Jenkins for The Visitor and recent Golden Globe winner Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler.

"I'm very grateful and appreciative of this incredible honour. I'm truly thrilled to be included," said 56-year-old Rourke, whose return to form has startled critics after years in the doldrums.

Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle received his first nomination for best director, alongside Britain's Stephen Daldry for The Reader and Benjamin Button's Fincher.

Milk's Gus Van Sant and Frost/Nixon's Ron Howard completed the best director nominees.

"We are delighted that the Academy has so generously recognised our film," said Eric Fellner, of Working Title Films, the production company behind Frost/Nixon.

"All of these nominations... show that our industry is performing at the top of its game on the international stage," added John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council.

There were few surprises in the nominations, announced by former Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, in Hollywood at 0530 local time.

MOST NOMINATED FILMS The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttton - 13 Slumdog Millionaire (pictured) - 10 The Dark Knight - 8 Milk - 8 Wall-E - 6 Doubt - 5 Frost/Nixon - 5 The Reader - 5 Changeling - 3 Revolutionary Road - 3

However, it was widely anticipated that Winslet would feature in both the best supporting and best actress categories, following her double win at the Golden Globes.

Her omission in the best supporting category created space for The Wrestler's Marisa Tomei and Benajmin Button's Taraji P Henson, best known for her role in Hustle and Flow.

They were joined by Doubt stars Amy Adams and Viola Davis, and previous best actress nominee Penelope Cruz, for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Actor Michael Shannon made an unexpected appearance among the best supporting actor nominees - the only actor to be nominated from the cast of Revolutionary Road, despite award hopes for both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Milk's Josh Brolin, Doubt's Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr for Tropic Thunder and Heath Ledger completed the category. Ledger, who received the nomination on the anniversary of his death, remains the favourite to win.

The critically acclaimed Batman sequel, the second-highest grossing film in US box office history, did well in the technical categories, but British film-maker Christopher Nolan missed out in both the director and screenplay categories.

Tomei previously won an Oscar for her role in My Cousin Vinny in 1993

Nonetheless, British screenwriters were well represented with Mike Leigh (Happy-Go-Lucky), Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon), Sir David Hare (The Reader) and Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) all nominated.

"I am fantastically happy and honoured," said Beaufoy. "Not just for myself but for Vikas Swarup's wonderful novel without which I would have never started my journey to the world's Maximum City, Mumbai."

The film also picked up two nominations for original song, alongside Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman for Down To Earth from Wall-E.

Six-time nominee Wall-E, shortlisted alongside Bolt and Kung Fu Panda, is widely tipped to win the best animated feature film Oscar.

Only two previous films - Titanic (1997) and All About Eve (1950) - have received more than 13 nominations. Both films were shortlisted in 14 categories.

The awards, to be hosted by actor Hugh Jackman, will be announced on 22 February at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Source: BBC News