The latest updates to The Awards Circuit: An Awards Profile for Crazy Heart and tweaks to the Tracker!

Yes, there's two new updates today to The Awards Circuit, and both are good ones. We start with another of our renowned Awards Profiles, this one tackling the newest entry into the Oscar race, Crazy Heart. Go here to see what we think its chances might be in the long run.
We also have some updates to the Tracker page, which you can see here. Be sure to let us know what we need to add/subtract!
-Thoughts on the update?

5 of these 10 Animated Shorts will compete for Oscar glory...

...and here they are:

• The Cat Piano, Eddie White and Ari Gibson, directors (The People’s Republic of Animation)
• French Roast, Fabrice O. Joubert, director (Pumpkin Factory/Bibo Films)
• Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, Nicky Phelan, director, and Darragh O’Connell, producer (Brown Bag Films)
• The Kinematograph, Tomek Baginski, director-producer (Platige Image)
• The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte), Javier Recio Gracia, director (Kandor Graphics and Green Moon)
• Logorama, Nicolas Schmerkin, producer (Autour de Minuit)
• A Matter of Loaf and Death, Nick Park, director (Aardman Animations Ltd.)
• Partly Cloudy, Peter Sohn, director (Pixar Animation Studios)
• Runaway, Cordell Barker, director (National Film Board of Canada)
• Variete, Roelof van den Bergh, director (il Luster Productions)

-Thoughts?

Curious how the Oscar ballot process works?

Well, we all are to one degree or another, and this article in Variety does a good job of breaking it down. It's quite long, but here's a taste:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences consists of 15 branches; voters nominate work in their own branch (directors nominate directors, editors nom editors, etc.). Everyone nominates best pic.

Nomination ballots will be mailed Dec. 28, and voters will receive a card with five blank spaces (in most categories) to fill in their top five choices.

OK, so far it’s easy, isn’t it? But now comes the hard part.

This year, the best-pic category will feature 10 blank spaces because of the expanded number of noms. Many voters will agonize over the order of their 10 choices. These voters mistakenly believe all 10 will count for something. In truth, only one of them will. And it may not be their first choice.

Confused?

Of course you are.

PricewaterhouseCoopers executives Brad Oltmanns and Rick Rosas explained it to me, and I will try to pass it along to you. But a disclaimer: I went over this several times with Rosas and Oltmanns (who are smart, have a great sense of humor and, crucially, are patient). I’ve written about it before and I still don’t completely get it. So if the following seems confusing, don’t blame yourself. But it does kinda/sorta make sense.

Here’s a case study. The directors branch had 375 voting members (as of 2008). So the PWC mavens take the number of possible nominees in that category (five) and add one. That total, six, is divided into the 375, which yields the magic number of 63. In round one of nomination tallies, the PWC folks take all the directors’ ballots and count up voters’ first-place choices: Any contender who earns the magic number — 63 votes — automatically has enough for a nomination.

The PWC mavens then set aside the ballots of those members who voted for that director, never to look at the other choices, because that voter’s voice has been heard. (And it’s possible more than one director has achieved that magic number.)

Then the team goes to round two: They take the stack with the fewest number of votes, and look at the second choice, and redistribute the ballots among the stacks. However, if a voter picked a director who had already hit the magic number, they go to the voter’s next choice. For each round, they look to a voter’s next highest choice — second, third, fourth, fifth — so long as that director remains in the running and has not otherwise hit the magic number.

OK, you totally understand the nomination process, right? Good, because we will explain the final ballots, and then there will be a quiz (and, yes, I do take off points for misspellings and bad penmanship).

-The whole article can be found here, and it's a good read...thoughts?

'Crazy Heart', the movie that almost never came to movie screens but now is an Oscar contender...sound familiar?

If it does, that's because this film is taking a somewhat similar route that Slumdog Millionaire took last year. This article here in The New York Times does a really good job of breaking down how the film finally ended up coming out this year after flirting with disaster.
-Thoughts on the article and 'Crazy Heart' in general?

A new Poster for Precious

Thoughts?

Academy Idol Season 3: Group 1

Voting has begun for Group One of this year's Academy Idol!

Yes, it's exciting times here at The Awards Circuit, and we hope you vote early and vote often for Academy Idol. You can either go here to watch the video and vote, or if you just want to vote with no frills attached, you can do so on the top right of this here blog (the weekly poll is a bit lower down, but it's still there, so vote on that too). We hope you enjoy!
-What films are you supporting in this group for Academy Idol?

PRODUCERS GUILD OF AMERICA TO HONOR PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE WITH 2010 STANLEY KRAMER AWARD

This is just the beginning of the sweep "Precious" could make this season. Could Daniels' film be our critic darling of the year?

LOS ANGELES (November 18, 2009) - The Producers Guild of America (PGA), a national non-profit trade group committed to protecting the rights and credits of producers in film, television and new media, announced today that PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE will be honored with the 2010 Stanley Kramer Award. The film’s producers will be honored with the award at the 21st Annual PGA Awards ceremony on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Hollywood Palladium.

The Stanley Kramer Award was established in 2002 to honor a motion picture, television program, studio, network, producer, executive or other individual entity whose work illuminates provocative social issues in an accessible and elevating fashion. Kramer, considered within the film industry to have served as “Hollywood’s Conscience” during his career as film director and producer, created some of the most respected and successful works in the annals of American motion pictures. He was the master behind such classics as “The Caine Mutiny,” “High Noon,” “The Defiant Ones,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Previous recipients of the Kramer award include “Milk,” “The Great Debaters,” “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Hotel Rwanda,” “Innocent Voices,” “In America,” “Antwone Fisher” and “I Am Sam.”

PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome. Set in Harlem in 1987, the film is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write. Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of “alternative,” but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

“‘Precious’ is a remarkable film that sends a powerful message of hope - brilliantly reminding us that we have the power to persevere regardless of life’s difficulties. Stanley Kramer’s legacy is ideally celebrated with the selection of this very worthy film,” said PGA Awards Co-Chairs David Friendly and Laurence Mark.

“Stanley’s films always talked about things we wanted to ignore. He taught us so much about ourselves and made us think about our values and purpose,” said Karen Kramer. “‘Precious’ is truly a film that embraces this philosophy. It tells us quite eloquently that it isn’t what happens to us that defines who we are, but rather what we choose to become.”

Honored with the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival’s Cadillac People’s Choice Award, an Official Selection at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard, and winner of three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE stars Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introducing Gabourey Sidibe.

Lionsgate in association with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry present A Lee Daniels Entertainment / Smokewood Entertainment Group Production of PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE, directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the novel Push by Sapphire. The film is produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness, and Gary Magness. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortés, and Tom Heller are Executive Producers; Simone Sheffield serves as Co-Executive Producer; Mark G. Mathis is Co-Producer; and Asger Hussain serves as Associate Producer.

About the Producers Guild of America
The Producers Guild of America is the non-profit trade group that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and new media. The PGA has over 4,000 members who work together to protect and improve their careers, the industry and community by providing members health benefits, enforcing workplace labor laws, the creation of fair and impartial standards for the awarding of producing credits, as well as other education and advocacy efforts. The PGA hosts important industry events including the annual PGA Awards and the Produced By Conference. Visit www.producersguild.org for more information.

Is Richard Linklater making a "spiritual sequel" to Dazed and Confused?

It seems that he's trying to at least, this one set at college. This interview here has a lot of the info, and it's pretty interesting. Personally, Dazed and Confused is one of my all time favorite films, so Linklater tackling college like he tackled high school excites me.
-Thoughts on this potential project?

The Oscars get a director...

...and it's Hamish Hamilton, according to this in Variety:

Continuing its mantra of shaking up the status quo, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has tapped Hamish Hamilton to direct the 82nd Oscar ceremonies.

Like the telecast's producers, Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman, Hamilton is a newcomer to Oscar duties.

However, Hamilton has directed many live kudos events for TV, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards. He's also helmed live concert perfs by U2, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, among others. Aside from directing the March 7 Academy Awards, he's set to helm the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show on CBS in February. "Hamish is a first-rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," said Shankman. "He's also a master of working with all of the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

In addition to the new faces this year, the Academy introduced the Governors Awards last Saturday, the first time the org has broken off those career nods from the televised ceremonies. (And several people at the event commented about how liberating it was to honor people without the time constraints of TV.)

The 81st ceremonies similarly featured a new team, with producer Laurence Mark, exec producer Bill Condon and director Roger Goodman.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced Feb. 2.

-Thoughts?

The shortlist for Documentary Feature hits, and many Docs are left in the dust!

The press release can be found here, but these are the 15 finalists:

• “The Beaches of Agnes,” Agnès Varda, director (Cine-Tamaris)
• “Burma VJ,” Anders Østergaard, director (Magic Hour Films)
• “The Cove,” Louie Psihoyos, director (Oceanic Preservation Society)
• “Every Little Step,” James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo, directors (Endgame Entertainment)
• “Facing Ali,” Pete McCormack, director (Network Films Inc.)
• “Food, Inc.,” Robert Kenner, director (Robert Kenner Films)
• “Garbage Dreams,” Mai Iskander, director (Iskander Films, Inc.)
• “Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders,” Mark N. Hopkins, director (Red Floor Pictures LLC)
• “The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, directors (Kovno Communications)
• “Mugabe and the White African,” Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey, directors (Arturi Films Limited)
• “Sergio,” Greg Barker, director (Passion Pictures and Silverbridge Productions)
• “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman, directors (Freedom Song Productions)
• “Under Our Skin,” Andy Abrahams Wilson, director (Open Eye Pictures)
• “Valentino The Last Emperor,” Matt Tyrnauer, director (Acolyte Films)
• “Which Way Home,” Rebecca Cammisa, director (Mr. Mudd)

-Thoughts on the exclusions of things like Capitalism: A Love Story, Tyson, It Might Get Loud, Earth, and Anvil, among others?

The films for this year's Academy Idol are selected, plus an Awards Profile for Invictus!

Indeed, the Main Page of The Awards Circuit has two new updates for you, beginning with a video found here in which we reveal the 36 films that will be in competition for Academy Idol this year. By the way, if you're curious what films didn't make the cut, listen to our most recent Podcast where we began the selection process, found here.
We also have another in our continuing series of Awards Profiles, this one focusing on the film Invictus. It can be read here, so do so and let us know what you think!
-Thoughts on the films in contention for Academy Idol this year?

A French Poster for Avatar

Thoughts?

TWC decides to push Melanie Laurent as a Lead Actress candidate for Inglourious Basterds!

This certainly hurts her chances a lot, but the story truly is about her, so I suppose it's an accurate decision, but a huge risk. The evidence of this can be found here on The Weinstein Company's FYC page for Inglourious Basterds.
-Thoughts on this decision?

'Agora' ends up getting distribution after all...

...though it will come out next year, according to this in Variety:

Newmarket Films has acquired U.S. rights to Alejandro Amenabar's "Agora" and will release historical epic during the first half of next year.

It's the first acquisition for Newmarket -- best known for handling "The Passion of the Christ" -- since the company was bought earlier this month by Exclusive Media Group.

"Agora," which had its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, has become a hit in Spain with $30 million after a month. It grossed $7.9 million in its first three days and has stayed in first place in the Spanish box office for four weeks.

The pic, directed by Amenabar ("The Sea Inside") from a script he co-wrote with Mateo Gil, stars Rachel Weisz, Oscar Isaac and Max Minghella. "Agora" was produced by MOD Prods., Himenoptero and Telecinco Cinema, with the participation of Canal Plus Spain.

Set in ancient Egypt under Roman rule, English-language "Agora" follows a female astronomer who leads a group of disciples fighting to save the wisdom of the ancient world, as violent religious upheaval spills into the streets of Alexandria.

Newmarket, which also handled "Memento," "Whale Rider," and "Downfall," recently acquired Jon Amiel's "Creation," starring Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany and focuses on Charles Darwin's struggle to reconcile his love for his religious wife with his own growing belief in evolution. Newmarket will release "Creation" in January.

-Thoughts?

The Golden Globes (along with the Oscars) will have 5 Animated Feature nominees...

Variety has the story:

The Golden Globes' animated feature category has been expanded from three to five after a vote last week by the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn.

Nominees for the newly expanded category will be announced Dec. 15 at 5 a.m. The two extra spots should afford a better opportunity to nonstudio films as well as hybrids of live action and animation.

The new rules say that any nominated film must be feature length (70 minutes or longer) and can have no more than 25% live action; if fewer than 12 films qualify, the category will revert to three nominees.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences recently confirmed that there are sufficient contenders for the Oscars' animation category this year to result in five nominees.

-Thoughts?

There's an insane amount of variety this week in terms of new DVD releases!

Yes, this week is loaded, and a good deal of the films in question are actually good for a change, which always helps. In terms of my PICK OF THE WEEK, it wasn't a particularly difficult decision, being as my pick was one of the best films of the first half of 2009. It's:
Star Trek
This was just a good time at the movies, besides being an almost shockingly good franchise reboot. It did just about everything right, and the result was a hit with audiences and critics alike. Do yourself a favor and pick up this great flick on DVD and boldly go where, well, you know how it goes...
-Also out scoring high marks from me are films like My Sister's Keeper, which managed to somehow not be manipulative and instead was a very well made drama about death, and Humpday, which put a humorous and indie spin on the male bonding genre of film, albeit in a very interesting way. I'd also like to point out the Michael Caine film Is Anybody There? and the vampire flick Thirst. Both of which are pretty good and deserved to be seen, but any of these four films are good bets this week.
-The remaining films fall into two categories; the average flicks that don't leave an impression, and the sub-par ones that leave a bad impression. Falling into the former category are the road trip flick The Open Road, the opaque indie flick The Limits of Control, and the Ryan Phillippe/Eva Green drama Franklyn. Falling into the unfortunate latter category are Bruno and The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard. None of these are really worth your time, but the first three are at least decent.
-My Vintage pick this week is, in honor of the release of The Blind Side, another inspirational sports film. It's Miracle, and it feature a phenomenal performance by Kurt Russell as legendary hockey coach Her Brooks. It's fantastically entertaining, and if you've never seen it before, do yourself a favor and check it out.
-What will you be watching on DVD this week?

Another new Poster for Alice in Wonderland

Thoughts?

Trailer for Crazy Heart

Behold:

-I think we have a real big contender on our hands, in a bunch of categories...thoughts?

Is 'Moneyball' getting closer to finding a director?

Perhaps, if this article here in 'The Hollywood Reporter' is to be believed:

Several months after Aaron Sorkin came aboard “Moneyball” — and slightly longer since the plug was pulled on Steven Soderbergh just before the start of production — the underdog baseball pic is well into its next stage, or inning, if you’re in a punning mood.

Several directors have met with star Brad Pitt, studio execs and/or producers over the past weeks. And while the studio has not formally made any offers, a number of names have surfaced, including that of the Oscar nominee Bennett Miller and the suddenly ubiquitous Marc Webb.

Webb has been entertaining a slew of interest since his “(500) Days of Summer” jolted critics and the development community this summer. He’s attached to a remake of the Danish thriller “Just Another Love Story” and met on Universal’s remake of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” to name a couple.

None of those projects is set to go, however, which isn’t the case with “Moneyball,” a project Sony is keen to move forward now that the script and concept have been rejigged.

“Capote” helmer Miller, for his part, has been taking his time since his breakout out four years ago with the dramatized story of a fish-out-of-water journalist. The only thing he’s been documented as developing is “Foxcatcher,” another real-life tale, this one about a schizophrenic member of the DuPont family (Miller is known as a director who likes to spend time honing before jumping on six new trains).

How suitable would each be for “Moneyball”? Webb is a director with style to burn, something that could help as you try to tell an unconventional story of the modern-day Oakland A’s. (though not as unconventional as when Soderbergh was on it). Miller brings the Oscar street cred, something no doubt important to Pitt, at least, and possibly others.

There have been enough stops and starts on “Moneyball” that nothing is a sure thing. But with a number of conferences now taking place on the mound, it may not be long before someone starts throwing heat.

-Thoughts on the potential directors?

Nine gets a new Trailer...

...this one very Kate Hudson-centric:

-Thoughts?

The Supporting Categories get new predicitions along with some new reviews during this latest update to The Awards Circuit!

Indeed, the Main Page of The Awards Circuit has some new stuff on it for your reading pleasure. We start with updates to the Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress categories. They can be found here and here, so check them out and let us know how the latest predictions are shaping up.
We also have some new reviews to be read. In addition to a third review for Precious, we have new reviews of the documentary Earth and the new film Pirate Radio. They can all be found here, so give them a read.
-What do you think of the new predictions and reviews?

HAL HOLBROOK HONORED WITH EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AWARD

Denver, CO, November 15th, 2009 – Hal Holbrook, who is receiving strong critical praise for his peformance in “That Evening Sun, “ which, at age 84 is his first lead role in a film, was honored with the Excellence in Acting Award on Saturday night at this year's Starz Denver Film Festival. Mr. Holbrook was given the award by film journalist Joe Leydon, who said, about presenting the award, “This is one of the greatest honors and privileges I've had in 35 years of writing about movies. It is humbling to give an extraordinary actor this award for this extraordinary performance.” In Mr. Holbrook’s acceptance speech, he spoke passionately about his portrayal of Abner Meecham in “That Evening Sun,” saying “It feels wonderful to be recognized this way. Our film is like the 'little engine that could' and we have been so warmly embraced by the Denver Film Festival and the fine people of this beautiful city.“
An Emmy- and Tony-Award winning actor, Hal Holbrook is one of the great craftsmen of stage and screen. He is best known for his performance in his one-man show as Mark Twain, the longest running traveling show in history, for which he won both a Tony and the first of his ten Emmy Award nominations. Among Holbrook's most famous roles were the Major in the original Broadway production of Arthur Miller's "Incident at Vichy"; Abraham Lincoln in a TV special based on Carl Sandburg's acclaimed biography of the 16th President; and the enigmatic Deep Throat in “All the President’s Men.“ He also had critical roles in Oliver Stone’s “Wall Street” and Sydney Pollack’s “The Firm.” On January 22, 2008, he became the oldest male performer ever nominated for an Academy Award, for his supporting turn in “Into the Wild.”
In “That Evening Sun,” Mr. Holbrook portrays Abner Meechem, an aging Tennesee farmer who returns to his homestead and must confront a family betrayal, the reappearance of an old enemy and the loss of his farm. It is based on the short story “I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down” by William Gay and was written and directed by Scott Teems, whose screenplay won the Emerging Narrative Screenplay Award at the IFP Market. This marks his directorial debut. The film is produced by Laura Smith and Terence Berry, executive produced by Adrian Jay, Larsen Jay and Raul L. Celaya of Dogwood Entertainment and produced by Raymond McKinnon and Walton Goggins.
“That Evening Sun, “ which is being distributed by Freestyle Releasing opened in NY on November 6th and will open in Los Angeles this Friday, November 20th for an Academy qualifying run. It will open around the country in January. The film has won over a dozen awards at festivals around the United States.

Oscar gives out its Governors Awards

The whole article in Variety is here, but here's a piece of it:

On hand to receive Honorary Oscars were producer Roger Corman, cinematographer Gordon Willis and thesp Lauren Bacall. John Calley, the producer and former Sony and Warner Bros. honcho, was saluted as the 35th recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, but he was too ill to attend. In his place, a lineup of seven previous Thalberg winners took the stage with Tom Hanks to salute Calley, with Steven Spielberg accepting on Calley's behalf.

The event delivered on AMPAS prexy Tom Sherak's promise to mix old Hollywood and new. The celebrity-studded crowd featured showbiz royalty, from the honorees to presenters Warren Beatty, Anjelica Huston, Quentin Tarantino and Jeff Bridges, previous Oscar winners such as Marisa Tomei, alongside "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe.

-Congrats!

Awards Profile for Nine

Staff Writer Keith Lucas explores the Oscar frontrunner and it's shots at Gold. It can be read HERE

A look at this year's Oscar Long Shots....

...can be found by going to the Main Page of The Awards Circuit and looking at this article here. Especially in terms of Best Picture, there's perhaps the greatest chance in a long time for a real long shot to make the cut. It's something to think about at least, and we all certainly do think about this kind of stuff a lot.
-What do you think are the long shots with the best chances this year?

Curious what Focus Features will have on display in 2010?

Curiosity killed the cat, but here's the answer anyhow, via The Hollywood Reporter:

Focus Features has finalized dates for a chunk of its 2010 release slate and confirmed that it will unspool the Sofia Coppola drama "Somewhere," the Roman epic "Eagle of the Ninth" and the George Clooney thriller "The American."

The Universal specialty division announced 2010 releases for a half-dozen pics, including "American," the Anton Corbijn-directed and Clooney-toplined story of assassins in Europe, on Sept. 1; "Ninth," Kevin Macdonald's Roman epic, in the third quarter; and "Somewhere," in which Stephen Dorff stars as a bad-boy actor reunited with his daughter, sometime during the year.

It also said that it will release Noah Baumbach's relationship dramedy "Greenberg," the Scott Rudin-produced pic starring Ben Stiller as a man who finds an unlikely romance, on March 12; Thomas Balmes' doc "Babies," which follows the birth of four children around the world, on April 16; and the Ryan Fleck-Anna Boden dramedy "It's Kind of a Funny Story," in November.

Focus topper James Schamus called the slate "as audacious as any in our history," and president Andrew Karpen said that the recently concluded AFM "once again proves the resiliency and flexibility of Focus' global approach to the business."

The announcement, in addition to setting dates, also seemed designed to reassure a nervous film community that Uni remains in the specialty business for the foreseeable future at a time when Miramax and other counterparts have been shuttered.

Uni co-chair Donna Langley noted that "Focus' 2010 slate further demonstrates its unique ability to continually develop and deliver some of the best and most compelling specialty films in our industry."

The company also noted that it crossed the $1 billion threshold in total boxoffice dating back to its formation eight years ago.

This fall, Focus has had Shane Acker's "9" and the Coen brother's "A Serious Man" among its releases.

-Thoughts?

'Harry Brown' gets picked up for U.S. distribution...

From Variety:

Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired U.S. rights to thriller "Harry Brown," starring Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer.

Goldwyn will release the film theatrically next year, and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group will handle home entertainment rights.

Penned by Gary Young, story is set in modern-day Britain and centers on a law-abiding retired Marine whose life is turned upside down when his best friend is killed, leaving him determined to clean up the neighborhood.

The film was directed by first-time feature helmer Daniel Barber, whose short "The Tonto Woman" was nominated for an Oscar. "Harry Brown" is produced by Kris Thykier ("Stardust") and Matthew Vaughn ("Snatch") of MARV Partners.

"Harry Brown" premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and held its U.K. premiere Wednesday night in London; it opens on more than 350 screens this weekend.

-Good to know we'll eventually get a chance to see it, next year likely...

Today's Trailers: Grown Ups, Extraordinary Measures, Leap Year, and Date Night

First up we have Adam Sandler's latest comedy, called 'Grown Ups':

Next we have the inspirational drama 'Extraordinary Measures':

Following that we have the romantic comedy 'Leap Year':

Finally, we have the star studded comedy 'Date Night':

-Thoughts?

Best Actor and Actress get new predictions in our latest update at The Awards Circuit!

Go here for Actor and here for Actress, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Poster for Crazy Heart

Thoughts?

New Reviews, an Awards Profile for The Men Who Stare at Goats, and a Best Director update are all new for you to see today!

Yesterday these updates went up on the Main Page of The Awards Circuit, and today we mention them on the blog (apologies for it being a day late)! We start off with some new reviews, starting with what was a special early review yesterday of Fantastic Mr. Fox, along with an additional review of Saw VI and a review of Black Dynamite. All of them can be found here, so check them out and let us know what you think!
We also have another Awards Profile in our continuing series, this one on The Men Who Stare at Goats. It can be found here, so be sure to read it and send some feedback!
Last, but certainly not least, this weekend's prediction updates continue with an update to the Best Director predictions, which can be found here. As always, feel free to comment.
-Also, if you haven't listened to Podcast number 8, go here and do so now!
-Thoughts on the new reviews, Awards Profile, Predictions, and Podcast?

Today's Posters: A new look at Kick-Ass, Leap Year, and Wonderful World

Thoughts?

Martin Scorsese will get the DeMille Award at this year's Golden Globes

From Variety:

Martin Scorsese will be honored at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his ”outstanding contribution to the entertainment field.”

The Hollywood Foreign Press has honored Scorsese in the past with two Golden Globes for best director for his work on ”The Departed” and ”Gangs of New York.” In addition to his wins, Scorsese was nommed by the HFPA for his helming skills for ”Goodfellas,” ”Casino,” ”Age of Innocence,” and ”Raging Bull,” which also earned him a screenwriting nod.

Recent Cecil B. DeMille Award recipients include Steven Spielberg, Warren Beatty, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Douglas.

Scorsese will receive the tribute at the Golden Globes on Jan. 17, which will be broadcast live on NBC.

-Congrats to him...

Here's all the contenders for Best Animated Feature at once:

Got this from Awards Daily...cool, right?