IWD on Film

Being of the non-televisual persuasion, I had to wait until I awoke this morning and checked online to see who won at the 82nd Oscars and to learn that, yes, the Academy finally deemed a woman worthy of the best director award. I'm sure it's a very happy International Women's Day for Kathryn Bigelow. The film I was really rooting for, though, was Precious (from the novel, blah, blah), which did succeed in a couple of categories, including a well-deserved win for Mo'Nique. Hurrah.

These successes cannot disguise the continued under-representation for women behind the camera, and so it's a good time to mention that the Bird's Eye View Festival continues in London this week, with a Susanne Bier masterclass today and screenings of films by Kim Longinotto, Jessica Hausner and Cherien Dabis later in the week.

Oscar nominations

Just a couple of thoughts on this, as there is little that reflects my tastes. Ho, hum. Grumble.

But I am glad to see two nominations for Sarah Polley's Away from Her, previously reviewed here. One for Polley for best adapted screenplay and one for Julie Christie, brilliant in the lead role. Maybe a few more people will go see this small, subtle and beutifully crafted film about people, not explosions.

And well done to Cate Blanchett, a double nominee, with Best Actress for Elizabeth: the Golden Age and Best Supporting Actress for I'm Not There. Queen Elizabeth I and Bob Dylan: now that's what I call range!