NOM NOM NOM! The Oscar nominations have been revealed (2 weeks early this year, we might add) and the internet is abundant with predictions, criticisms, and celebrations! It’s exciting to see that indie films could potentially make a sweep in the major categories this year! Take newcomer Benh Zeitlin, for example, who has received a nod for his exceptional direction in Beasts of the Southern Wild. Beasts has also garnered the prestigious Best Picture nomination, along with a record breaking Best Actress nomination for 9-year old Quvenzhané Wallis.
Screenshot of Benh Zeitlins’ short film Glory at Sea, which screened at Cucalorus in 2008
As many of you know, Benh Zeitlin is no stranger to Cucalorus. His short films Origins of Electricity and Glory at Sea screened in the festival during 2006 and 2008, respectively. Another relevant Cuc-alumnus is the Denmark film A Royal Affair, which will compete for Best Foreign Language film this year. A Royal Affair recently screened last November during Cucalorus 18.
A Royal Affair, which screened at Cucalorus in 2012, will compete for Best Foreign Language Film
The nomination of Kings Point in the Documentary Short Subject category brings some local excitement as well. Working Films, an activist organization headquartered in Wilmington, helped build the campaign for the short film. As many local activists know, Working Films is a key partner in the Cucalorus Works-In-Progress program – a showcase of projects in production dealing with social justice.
Get your pearls and your studs ready!!! Cucalorus is proud to present our 4th annual fundraiser, An Evening at the Oscars, on February 24, 2013 at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, NC. This annual fundraiser gathers local film industry talent, Wilmington leaders, young and old film buffs for a true celebration of the industry, projected onto multiple screens for everyone to enjoy! Proceeds from the event support the 19th annual Cucalorus Film Festival, November 13-17, 2013.
Reserve your seat for $100, and couples get the special lovers discount, only $180! Click the prices to purchase.
For each guest the evening will include…
-Heavy hor d’oeuvres
-Full open bar featuring some clever “Best Picture Specials”
-A Silent Auction
-The chance to participate in the annual “Oscar Pool” (that’s you film buffs, bring your cash)
Get started on your Oscar ballot early and head over to Thalian Hall for Cinematiques’ presentation of all Oscar nominated short films!
Board member Robert Sharp makes his 2012 debut onto the Cucalorus Red Carpet
As we prepare for the Academy’s big night, we reflect on amazing support we received from the Academy, as one of our sponsors, during last years festival! An Evening at the Oscars is sponsored by Screen Gems Studios, Lanier Property Group, Planet Logo, and Digieffects.
That’s all for now folks. We will see you on the red carpet!
Yours truly, Ryan