SATC Movie

So as I'm sure you've heard by now, the new "Sex and the City" movie begins filming this week in NY. While my anticipation for this has been a long time coming, I have to say recent reveals have made me a little uneasy about the whole thing. If they're gonna do, they sure as hell better do it right. This show holds such a place in women's hearts having had such a lasting impact on how female television is made. This movie better live up to the same standards and innovations that its precursor did and that's all I've got to say about that. So what sparked this rant? Everyone's favorite shoe-obsessed waif Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) has a personal assistant...and she will be played by the lovely and talented Jennifer Hudson. This has commercialization written all over it...

BRATZ? OMG. BFFS!!

I HATE to admit it, but you just know this is gonna be HUGE. I mean, those whore dolls are one of the top-selling toys, even beating out Barbie. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about the most popular product for girls 3-11 being a doll impossibly proportioned and dressed like a common street-walker, but what do I know about marketing to kids? All I know is that based on this kind of popularity, this movie is gonna bring in some serious cashflow. Therefore, I think its important to take a moment and examine our children's future role-models because I doubt they're going away anytime soon when they're backed by such a successful franchise. It is a little disturbing watching them take these sweet innocent-looking preteen actresses and "slutifying" them for this role. Oh, Hollywood.

LOGAN BROWNING "SASHA"--This is a first movie role for Logan, who has gotten the bulk of her experience in TV shows, commercials, and music videos. She also has a bit of gymnastics and cheer training that she makes use of in this role.

JANEL PARRISH "JADE"--I've been following Janel for a few years now. She's a very sweet young actress from Hawaii. She's most noted for having quite a talent for singing, starring in a touring production of Les Miserables. She's also had a few minor tv roles as well.

NATHALIA RAMOS "YASMIN"--Nathalia brings a bit of TVQ to the movie, having had a significant arc on the critically acclaimed series "Arrested Development." I've always found her to be a lovely actress as well.

SKYLER SHAYE "CLOE"--A bit older than the other girls, I've always felt a kind of sex-kitten vibe from this young actress which I guess its perfect for this movie. She has a lot of tv experience, and even received some critical-acclaim for a small guest star spot on "Grey's Anatomy."

CHELSEA STAUB "MEREDITH"--The only one of the bunch that I've really seen in action, Chelsea is just a joy to watch. She can make anything funny with great comedic timing and creative delivery. I am happy to see her here.
Now doesn't that just make you want to gouge out your eyes? As much as it pains me to admit, the girls are quite cute and they didn't take the slutty thing too far it seems so that's good at least.

Big Girl, You are Beautiful!

This just makes me happy. It's a positive step and fun music to boot.Mika "Big Girls (You Are Beautiful)"

On a similar note, newcomer Nikki Blonsky, star of this summer's much-anticipated musical HAIRSPRAY is getting a lot of positive buzz. Could she be the next Jennifer Hudson? She's pretty cute and sweet as can be. She's so well-spoken, poised, and well, Happy. She's a ball of energy and excitement and is really a joy to watch. A bit of a cinderella-story, 17-year-old Nikki found out she got the part via Access Hollywood cameras while she was scooping icecream at Cold Stone; since shooting she has even been a guest on Oprah.I'm a sucker for a good musical so I'm really excited to check this one out and see how she fairs. Plus, its got my boy Zac Efron in it, so of course I'm gonna be there to support. I really think this could be the big hit of the summer!!

I've seen this before....

So I don't watch "American Idol" (*gasp*), but I heard about President Bush's "very special thanks" to America last night, which I find rather amusing. My friend Lindsey pointed out an eerie similarity it had with the movie "American Dreamz" that came out last year...and I have to agree. Oh, how I love American entertainment television!

The Satire:


The Real Deal:


"American Dreamz" Tagline: Imagine a country where the President never reads the newspaper, where the government goes to war for all the wrong reasons, and more people vote for a pop idol than their next President.

Hmm....

Staging her Comeback

KERI RUSSELL is on the rise...She kinda fell off the face of the earth (only for a few years), but decidedly she's making her way back into the industry spotlight and I think she's about to hit it big once again. We saw her return to the big screen in last year's "Mission: Impossible III." Her new movie "Waitress" was the talk of Sundance this year as companies clamored for distribution rights to the film. Fox Searchlight won out, and "Waitress" opens in theatres tomorrow. Additionally, she is in production for two highly anticipated movies, "The Girl in the Park" with Sigourney Weaver and Kate Bosworth, as well as "August Rush" with Freddie Highmore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Robin Williams. I have to say, I'm super excited for Keri Russell's return to stardom. I think she's adorable and sweet as can be. "Felicity" was an amazing show that couldn't have worked without such a sympathetic and inspiring lead actress. Now that she's matured, I look forward to what she has in store. It is my feeling that she's going to go the route of a Kate Winslet-type career. I wouldn't be surprised to see an Oscar somewhere in her future..Welcome back, Keri!

Here is the trailer for "Waitress":

Deal Memo Dictionary

So I've had a few actors express some concerns to me regarding their test option deals, deal memos, and other legalese that might as well be written in hieroglyphics. Its a complicated matter, that's for sure. So here is the cliff's notes version for the actors out there who want to know what they're signing up for...or anyone else that is curious as to what issues are discussed when hiring an actor for a job.

Test Option Deal--this is the document that an actor signs basically agreeing to the terms and conditions of the job, should the network decide to hire them. Once this is signed, there's no going back. An actor must work, if chosen; however, the ball is in the network's court and they may choose to pass.

Deal Memo--This document goes through many drafts. Eventually, it is given to the actor once a deal has been closed and the actor is hired. It includes all the elements of the deal that were negotiated, and lists what is expected from both the actor and the company hiring them.

So, what goes on these two documents? and what does it all the mean? Well...for that...See Below:

Pay--The MONEY. Everyone's #1 concern. This should be clearly listed. How much you should get paid is a topic I'll save for a later date.

Start Date--This is the date you're expected to begin working. While this date will likely get pushed back (happens all the time), you still must be available from this day forward.

Work Days--Usually you are guaranteed a certain number or work days depending your role. This number should be clearly listed on the contract. No matter what happens, you should be paid for the days that you are granted "Guarantee."

Shooting Location(s)--Where the film/show will be shot. Pay attention here, b/c if its out of the country (even Mexico), you're gonna need a valid passport so get on that.

Accommodations--You are entitled to some sort of dressing room for each production. Furthermore, if the shoot is taking place away from your current residence, they should be providing you with somewhere to sleep...and I'm not talking about the director's couch. Make sure all of this info is in writing as well.

Meals--Obviously,they should be feeding you...this is required per SAG regulations already, but if its a non-union production, make sure it mentions something about this on the contract.

Billing--This is how you will be billed (receive credit) for the production. Main Title billing is that listed in the opening credits. The Stars usually have a single card, meaning they're the only name listed at one time. Supporting actors have a shared card, and all other actors usually end up on the "crawl" (end credits). There are some instances where there is a cameo or special guest star. In these situations, it is typical to have "and" or "with" billing, which is where the notable actor is listed as a single card with "and" or "with" in front of the name, at the end of the main title credits.


Important things to note:

A.P.D--This phrase stands for "at producer's discresion" and basically means that you are not guaranteed the element that is listed before it, so be careful with this one. What you seem promised may, in reality, just be potentially offered (or taken away) at the wim of the producers.

Personal Information--Your personal information (real name, SSN, birthdate, address, etc.) will likely all be included on the final deal memo. This is standard procedure so that the producers, network, or studio can get in touch with you directly if any issues arise.

Favored Nations--Sometimes its necessary to ensure that no one is getting paid more than you for a production. In this case, you should request a line of "favored nations" which guarantees this...particularly in situations where you're not getting paid at all, because you would hate to be the only person working for free.

Likeness Approval/Consultation--In situations when you've become a recognizable face, you may request to have approval or consultation for whenever your image is used in publicity, etc. That way, you can always make sure that you're looking your very best. Approval is rare unless you're super famous...but it doesn't hurt to ask for consultation at the very least.

So there you have it, folks. That's mostly everything that an actor should be looking out for when they're hired for a production. Its important to make sure you're treated correctly in every situation...whether it be a huge SAG feature or a non-union commercial. Now you just gotta book that job...

Movie Stars on Television?

So I definitely feel like there has been an increasing number of movie stars on television these days, but looking through the latest pilot pick-up list, I'm still a bit surprised. It started simple with the likes of Sandra Oh and Ellen Pompeo, then graduated to the Jason Lees and Jaime Pressleys of the world. Keifer Sutherland was in there all along, but I let him slide because he's on one of Fox's top rated shows. I wasn't really surprised until we reached Steve Carell, who, at the height of his career, took on a series role. It seems now, though, that TV is rampant with other stars known most for their lucrative film careers, like Jeff Goldblum, Minnie Driver, Sally Field, Alec Baldwin, Emily Deschanel, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. What makes these stars want to turn to TV? Is it the promise of a steady job? Whatever the reason, TV doesn't seem to have the same stigma that it once did. The latest pilot pick-up list boasts a slew of similar movie stars: Kal Penn, Jennifer Coolidge, Lucy Liu, Donald Sutherland, Ving Rhames, Jordana Brewster, Marisa Tomei, Jason Biggs, Jeneane Garofalo, Parker Posey, and Eliza Dushku to name a few. I would imagine pilot season must be pretty tough for actors having these names as the competition. Don't get discouraged though, there are plenty of other roles out there and its all just a part of the business!

From the Small to Big Screen...

It was only a matter of time before The CW's favorite teenage detective KRISTEN BELL made the big leap from television to feature film. As rumors of a "Veronica Mars" cancellation continue to swell, it should come as no surprise that the adorable and talented Bell has seen some activity on the movie side of entertainment. She was recently cast as the lead in a Universal Pictures feature entitled Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Its not too much of a stretch for Bell, considering the lead role of Sarah that she will be playing is in fact a "TV Star". Bell will star opposite Jason Segal of "How I Met Your Mother." This film looks to be your typical light-hearted comedy, but don't let that undercut Bell's full talent potential. She's shown her superior acting, singing, and dancing chops in Showtime's musical comedy "Reefer Madness." In addition to "Sarah", Bell is wrapping up production on MGM's "Fanboys" and an animated film "Flatland: The Movie."

ShoWest Stars of Tomorrow

For those of you who don't know, ShoWest is an annual film industry convention held in Las Vegas. Past "Star of Tomorrow" winners have included Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Beal, Hilary Swank, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, Josh Hartnett, Matt Damon, Heath Ledger, and Johnny Depp. Pretty good company to be with I would say. Congrats!

Male Star of Tomorrow: SHIA LABEOUF
LaBeouf got his start as the bratty younger brother Louis on Disney Channel's "Even Stevens." From there he had a string of pretty big movie roles like those in "Holes," "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," and last year's "Bobby." He's a pretty funny guy. He's got that lovable but goofy thing down, yet you get the impression that he can still handle those roles with a bit more depth. You can catch him in three movies out this year : "Disturbia," "Surf's Up," and "Transformers." He's rumored to be in the new Indiana Jones movie as well.
Photo Date: 28 January 2007
Photo Credit: Jeff Vespa
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

Female Star of Tomorrow: EMMA ROBERTS
Roberts is cute cute cute. I would have loved to get her for a pilot we were casting recently, but at just 16-years-old, she was a tad young. She first caught my attention as the young child of Johnny Depp in "Blow." Her performance was heart-breaking. As she got older, Roberts became prevalent in a handful of the "cute best friend" roles, like in the Nickelodeon show "Unfabulous" and the movie "Aquamarine." Still, I don't think she'll continue to be typecast in such roles because she's already stealing the show (she nabbed a Nick Kid's Choice Best TV Actress nom over the show's star). Look out for her as this year's Nancy Drew in the film by the same name.

And the Oscar Goes To...

"When I was a kid the only way I saw movies was from the back seat of my family's car...the drive-in. And it wasn't my reality to think that I would be acting in movies, so receiving this honor tonight tells me its possible...its possible for a kid from east Texas, raised in South Central LA and Carson, who believes in his dreams and commits himself to them with his heart, to touch them and have them happen. Because when I first started acting it was because of my desire to connect with everyone, to that thing inside each of us, to that light that I believe exists in all of us, because acting for me is about believing in that connection. It's a connection so strong, its a connection so deep that we feel it and through our combined belief we can create a new reality." --Forest Whitaker, Best Actor Oscar Winner

So the 2007 Oscars are over. I have to say, there were quite a few surprises that popped up. The most OUTRAGEOUS, in my opinion, was that PAN'S LABYRINTH did not win for Best Foreign Language Film. Its sweeped most of its nominations, but when it came to the biggest one of all, it fell short. Very disappointing...especially for the GENIUS Guillermo del Toro I'm sure. Even though Babel wasn't my favorite, I feel like it kinda got shortchanged, probably because of its distinct similarities to last year's Best Picture winner Crash. Same with Dreamgirls. I was happy to see that Little Miss Sunshine had some glory moments, but bottom line is that the Academy just isn't ready to offer Best Picture to a light-hearted comedy...they'll get there someday I hope. Surprisingly in my opinion, The Departed was the clear Academy favorite this year. Interesting. See my other Oscar notes scattered below with my original predictions.


OSCAR WINNERS

Best Motion Picture of the Year: Really? The Departed? Good Movie, but Great Film? Not my choice. Great Cast though.
•BABEL
•THE DEPARTED--WINNER
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•THE QUEEN


Best Actor: His speech...oh, his speech. Touched my heart.
•Leonardo DiCaprio - BLOOD DIAMOND
•Ryan Gosling - HALF NELSON
•Peter O'Toole - VENUS
•Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
•Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND--WINNER

Best Actress: Holy Cow, did Helen Mirren look STUNNING!
•Penélope Cruz - VOLVER
•Judi Dench - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN --WINNER
•Meryl Streep - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
•Kate Winslet - LITTLE CHILDREN

Best Supporting Actor: Yay, Alan Arkin and Little Miss Sunshine! PS, how adorable was Abigail Breslin?
•Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE--WINNER
•Jackie Earle Haley - LITTLE CHILDREN
•Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND
•Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS
•Mark Wahlberg - THE DEPARTED

Best Supporting Actress: YAY!! Reality TV can breed a star. Man, did she look and sound FANTASTIC on stage during both her acceptance and performance.
•Adriana Barraza - BABEL
•Cate Blanchett - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS --WINNER
•Rinko Kikuchi - BABEL

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year: Oh my gosh, I thought Disney had this one in the bag, but I'm so happy that Happy Feet pulled through. I got dragged to this by my friends, but I have to say I LOVED IT. Adorable movie with a cute message.
•CARS
•HAPPY FEET --WINNER
•MONSTER HOUSE

Achievement in Art Direction: I called this one. GORGEOUS and FRESH movie.
•PAN'S LABYRINTH--WINNER
•THE GOOD SHEPHERD
•DREAMGIRLS
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
•THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in Cinematography: LOVE LOVE LOVE. Pan's, Round 2.
•THE BLACK DAHLIA
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE ILLUSIONIST
•PAN'S LABYRINTH--WINNER
•THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in Costume Design: Oh man, I know Dreamgirls got all the hype, but for those of us that actually saw Marie Antoinette, there was little question which was most deserving of this award. The costumes in this movie were breath-taking. Both Classic and Fresh. I'm so happy about this one.
•CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
•THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
•DREAMGIRLS
•MARIE ANTOINETTE--WINNER
•THE QUEEN

Best Director: Oh, YAY! While The Departed wasn't my favorite, there was no question that Marty Scorsese was most deserving of this prestigious honor. Most actors are scrambling all over each other to work with this cinematic legend.
•Alejando Inaritu - BABEL
•Martin Scorsese - THE DEPARTED --WINNER
•Clint Eastwood - LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•Stephen Frears - THE QUEEN
•Paul Greengrass - UNITED 93

Best Documentary Feature: Oh, Al Gore. If only you would run for president again. It makes me so sad to think "what if?"...His presence gives me chills and this docu is no different. We can make a difference. We need to step up and take care of our Earth. I just love seeing a polician step up for a worthy cause and speak to us through our most common voice--Film.
•DELIVER US FROM EVIL
•AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH--WINNER
•IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
•JESUS CAMP
•MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY

Achievement in Film Editing: The Departed again. meh.
•BABEL
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE DEPARTED--WINNER
•UNITED 93

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year: HOLY CRAP. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???
•AFTER THE WEDDING
•DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES)
•THE LIVES OF OTHERS--WINNER
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•WATER

Achievement in Makeup: Yay, Pan's. Such cool makeup!
•APOCALYPTO
•CLICK
•PAN'S LABYRINTH--WINNER

Best Original Score: This is the only category Babel won? I'm kinda surprised. Even so, I would have given this one to Pan's. I know, I know...I'm a Pan's cheerleader. But seriously, I thought the use of the lullaby woven throughout was genius. But what do I know...
•BABEL--WINNER
•THE GOOD GERMAN
•NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE QUEEN

Best Original Song: I was a little caught off guard when the powerful songs of Dreamgirls got overshadowed by the song from Inconvenient Truth, but these things are political afterall, and no one can deny the emotional connection you feel with a Melissa Etheridge song.
•"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH--WINNER
•"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
•"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
•"Our Town" - CARS
•"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS

Achievement in Sound Editing: Yeah, I didn't know much about this category, but I'm glad this movie won something.
•APOCALYPTO
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA--WINNER
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in Sound Mixing: Seemed like the obvious, and clearly most deserving, choice in my opinion.
•APOCALYPTO
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•DREAMGIRLS--WINNER
•FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in Visual Effects: Seemed obvious here too.
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST --WINNER
•POSEIDON
•SUPERMAN RETURNS

Adapted Screenplay: I was really sad that Children of Men didn't win any of its nominations. It really was an amazing movie that deserved a little recognition. But it seemed like The Departed was the star of these awards.
•BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE DEPARTED--WINNER
•LITTLE CHILDREN
•NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Original Screenplay: You have to love it when a former celebrity personal assistant wins an academy award. Especially for such a heartwarming film like Little Miss Sunshine. So happy about this one.
•BABEL
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE--WINNER
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE QUEEN

So ultimately, I was able to correctly predict 10 Wins, with an additional 4 pleasant surprises. That leaves me dead wrong about 7 categories. Not quite as good as last year's predictions with only two wrong, but a pretty good showing overall. Yay, Oscars!

It's the Pitts!

MICHAEL PITT--This youngish actor reminds me a bit of a grittier Leonardo DiCaprio. He first caught my attention in an episode of "Law and Order: SVU" that aired in 2002, where he played a sociopathic teenage animal abuser. Man, can he be creepy. I love it. He's been in a wide range of projects, mainly indie movies that have a bit of an edge. While I haven't actually seen the film, his starring role in "The Dreamers" definitely looks intriguing. This guy is someone to keep an eye out for. He's got real talent.

Photo Date: 1 September 2003
Photo Credit: Jeff Vespa
(Copyright ©WireImage.com)

Spotlight on...

DJIMON HOUNSOU
This actor has a way of overwhelming his audience with a sense of warmth and kindness through one simple look in his eyes. It was his kind-hearted character Juba that really stuck out most in my mind from the movie "Gladiator." Now, he's doing it again as the determined Soloman Vandy in "Blood Diamond." He really knows how to captivate his audience and not get over-shadowed by some serious Oscar-contending actors like Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio.

IVANA BAQUERO
Wow, this young actress is only 12 years old, but her performance in "Pan's Labyrinth" gave me goosebumps. Its usually hard for someone so young to really grasp the emotion and depth of a character in such a complex movie, but Ivana does it seemingly effortlessly. I LOVED this movie, I LOVE this girl, and I'm sure I WILL LOVE what she brings to us next.

Predictions of Little Gold Men

The Grammy's are through (Yay, Dixie Chicks!!), so its time to look to the next extravagant awards show looming over our heads. Next up: The 79th Annual Academy Awards, held on February 25, 2007 on ABC. Below are my Oscar picks this year. The Highlighted ones are who I think WILL win, whereas the bold ones are who I WANT to win.

MY OSCAR PICKS

Best Motion Picture of the Year:
•BABEL
•THE DEPARTED
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•THE QUEEN

Best Actor:
•Leonardo DiCaprio - BLOOD DIAMOND
•Ryan Gosling - HALF NELSON
•Peter O'Toole - VENUS
•Will Smith - THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
•Forest Whitaker - THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND

Best Actress:
•Penélope Cruz - VOLVER
•Judi Dench - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•Helen Mirren - THE QUEEN
•Meryl Streep - THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
•Kate Winslet - LITTLE CHILDREN

Best Supporting Actor:
•Alan Arkin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•Jackie Earle Haley - LITTLE CHILDREN
•Djimon Hounsou - BLOOD DIAMOND
•Eddie Murphy - DREAMGIRLS
•Mark Wahlberg - THE DEPARTED

Best Supporting Actress:
•Adriana Barraza - BABEL
•Cate Blanchett - NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•Abigail Breslin - LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•Jennifer Hudson - DREAMGIRLS
•Rinko Kikuchi - BABEL

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year:
•CARS
•HAPPY FEET
•MONSTER HOUSE

Achievement in Art Direction:
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE GOOD SHEPHERD
•DREAMGIRLS
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
•THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in Cinematography:
•THE BLACK DAHLIA
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE ILLUSIONIST
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE PRESTIGE

Achievement in Costume Design:
•CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER
•THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
•DREAMGIRLS
•MARIE ANTOINETTE
•THE QUEEN

Best Director:
•Alejando Inaritu - BABEL
•Martin Scorsese - THE DEPARTED
•Clint Eastwood - LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•Stephen Frears - THE QUEEN
•Paul Greengrass - UNITED 93

Best Documentary Feature:
•DELIVER US FROM EVIL
•AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
•IRAQ IN FRAGMENTS
•JESUS CAMP
•MY COUNTRY, MY COUNTRY

Achievement in Film Editing:
•BABEL
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE DEPARTED
•UNITED 93

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year:
•AFTER THE WEDDING
•DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES)
•THE LIVES OF OTHERS
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•WATER

Achievement in Makeup:
•APOCALYPTO
•CLICK
•PAN'S LABYRINTH

Best Original Score:
•BABEL
•THE GOOD GERMAN
•NOTES ON A SCANDAL
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE QUEEN

Best Original Song:
•"I Need to Wake Up" - AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
•"Listen" - DREAMGIRLS
•"Love You I Do" - DREAMGIRLS
•"Our Town" - CARS
•"Patience" - DREAMGIRLS

Achievement in Sound Editing:
•APOCALYPTO
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in Sound Mixing:
•APOCALYPTO
•BLOOD DIAMOND
•DREAMGIRLS
•FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST

Achievement in Visual Effects:
•PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST
•POSEIDON
•SUPERMAN RETURNS

Adapted Screenplay:
•BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
•CHILDREN OF MEN
•THE DEPARTED
•LITTLE CHILDREN
•NOTES ON A SCANDAL

Original Screenplay:
•BABEL
•LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
•LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
•PAN'S LABYRINTH
•THE QUEEN

As you can probably tell by my picks, PAN'S LABYRINTH was by far my favorite movie of the year. I've seen almost every movie nominated except for "The Queen," which I'm sure influenced my choices in some ways. Overall, I feel like this year has had the best movies of recent years. The last 6 movies I've seen in the theater (The Departed, Babel, Dreamgirls, Children of Men, Pan's Labyrinth, and Blood Diamond--respectively) have all been alarmingly good. Filmmakers, let's keep up the good work!!!