InfoAnda - Oscars then and now: A look at 1939's 10 nominees |

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

EU sucks up decision-making: UK's foreign secretary | | 23 October 2012
Thai parliament passes 3.35 bln dlr stimulus package | 29 January 2009
E-readers may not solve publisher woes yet | Technology | | 31 October 2009

NZ govt. accounts deep in red in November | 29 January 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Oscars then and now: A look at 1939's 10 nominees |

Edition: U.S. Article Save Email Print Reprints Most Popular Most Shared Heavy rain in Miami forces changes in Super Bowl plans 01 Feb 2010 UPDATE 1-US missile test mimicking Iran strike fails 01 Feb 2010 WRAPUP 1-Australia cenbank skips a hike, in huge surprise 12:00am EST U.S. seeks calm as China fumes over Taiwan arms | Video 01 Feb 2010 U.S. expanding missile defenses in Gulf 31 Jan 2010 Pork better for sex than Viagra? 28 Jan 2010 Can fish oil help guard against schizophrenia? 01 Feb 2010 Herbal remedies, heart drugs don't mix: review 01 Feb 2010 Big banks' risky trading should be curbed: Volcker 01 Feb 2010 Dealmaking back in fashion, as CEOs buy growth 01 Feb 2010 Oscars then and now: A look at 1939's 10 nominees Gregg Kilday Mon Feb 1, 2010 11:18pm EST Related News "Transformers," Bullock among Razzie contenders Mon, Feb 1 2010 "Basterds," "Nine," lead Critics' Choice field Mon, Dec 14 2009 LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - In June, when Sid Ganis, then president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, made the surprise announcement that Oscar's best picture race would expand to 10 nominees this year, he was flanked by a couple of poster boards listing the 10 best picture nominees of 1939. Entertainment | Film And what a blue-ribbon bunch they were: Time-tested classics like "Gone With the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz." Classic Americana like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Stagecoach." Literary adaptations like "Wuthering Heights," "Of Mice and Men" and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips." Romance: "Love Affair." Melodrama: "Dark Victory." And even sophisticated comedy: "Ninotchka." In arguing for a return to the long-abandoned Academy practice of nominating anywhere from eight to 12 movies per year for the top prize, Ganis maintained that it opens the door to a wider variety of movies. And, gesturing toward the golden oldies of '39, he asked rhetorically, "Suppose you had to narrow that field to five nominees? Which of these films would you keep? Whichever five movies you selected, you'd be losing five extraordinary films." A tough question, but if applied to those pictures that will be revealed Tuesday (February 2) morning as the 10 best picture nominees of 2009, one that's inherently unfair. After all, 1939 is widely viewed as the pinnacle of the studio era. Hollywood's movie factories had mastered the process of churning out satisfying entertainment that attracted mass audiences and, at its best, achieved lasting quality as well. It's what historian Thomas Schatz called "the genius of the system." 'KNIGHT' LEADS CHARGE Seventy years later, the film industry is a different business. If not quite dysfunctional, it often proceeds in fits and starts. The chasm between subpar popcorn movies and genuine awards contenders is constantly widening, despite the occasional blockbuster that wins applause from both critics and the masses -- like 2008's "The Dark Knight," whose failure to secure a best picture slot contributed, in part, to the move to open up the category. In the industry's current state, it's hard to imagine a slate of 10 nominees that could come anywhere near capturing the luster of the Class of 39. Still, it's possible to overstate the differences between then and now. And what differences do exist don't always reflect badly on 2009. Right now, for example, Hollywood has gone brand crazy, and as producers and writers complain, it's hard to sell a movie idea that isn't based on a pre-existing book, play, TV show or game. In reality, though, Hollywood has always preferred to work from known commodities. Look at 1939's best: Six movies on the list are adaptations; only four are originals. "Gone With the Wind" was based on a best-selling novel, and every stage in the movie's development was followed breathlessly by the public. Frank L. Baum's 1900 novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" had gone through numerous reprints, spawned a book series and had seen several stage and screen incarnations before Judy Garland stepped into those ruby slippers. And classic titles like "Wuthering Heights" and popular books of the day like "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" added their literary prestige to the top honorees. Say what you want about "Avatar" -- which has now proved itself as the biggest-grossing movie of all time -- but it succeeded as an original, hitting its marks without the built-in audience that flocked to "Gone With the Wind." The success of "Avatar" is a rebuke to Hollywood's tradition of looking mostly to presold titles. LION'S ROAR, INDIES' MUSCLE Take another look at the 1939 list: One studio, MGM, dominated, releasing four of the nominees -- "Wind," "Oz," "Chips" and "Ninotchka." That would be unthinkable today. In fact, if the Oscars only went to major studio-produced movies, the Academy would be hard-pressed to fill its list of 10. Yet 1939 also pointed the way toward the role that indies would come to play in the awards game. Independent producers and/or smaller studios had a key role in at least four movies on the list. David O. Selznick produced "Wind," which MGM then released, and Samuel Goldwyn was responsible for "Heights," released through United Artists, which also distributed Walter Wanger Prods.' "Stagecoach" and the Hal Roach Studios' "Mice." Culturally, of course, the late '30s were a world away from today's movie business. Movies were made for general audiences; that meant they were pitched toward adults. (The whole category of adolescence hadn't really been invented.) And, in those days, adults included women. While current box-office returns have proved that there is an eager audience for female-skewing movies -- from "Sex and the City" and "Mamma Mia!" to "Julie & Julia" and "It's Complicated" -- the industry still views such movies suspiciously: A terminal illness tale like "Dark Victory" would be dismissed today as a Lifetime movie. And thwarted adult passion, a la "Love Affair," and fizzy romances like "Ninotchka" almost never make it to the screen. On the other hand, for all the escapism of the current movie scene, the 2009 candidates outshine 1939 in one respect: They include a handful of movies like "The Hurt Locker" and "Up in the Air" that confront real-life issues like unending war and uneasy peace. Back in 1939, that was rare. Arguably, the only movie that struck a contemporary note was "Mr. Smith," with its look at political corruption. The latest batch of best picture nominees might not ultimately have the staying power of those released in 1939. (Check back with us in 70 years to find out.) But, at least in the moment, there's no reason they should be overshadowed by the past. Entertainment Film More from Reuters Big banks' risky trading should be curbed: Volcker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White House adviser Paul Volcker will urge Congress to curb the risks taken by large banks to help prevent them from being treated as "too big to fail," according to testimony obtained by Reuters on Monday. Asia shares rebound; resource stocks surge | Video Jan retail sales seen up, clues sought on Q1 China says to sanction U.S. firms selling Taiwan arms Boeing sees aircraft order book shrinking Obama's 2010 budget: deficit soars amid job spending | Video » More Top News ANALYSIS: Clampdown fears stalk China Global markets got jittery when China tightened its lending, but investors are ignoring one important thing. Full Article What's next for China monetary policy? Five risks to watch in China Fretting over inflation in Asia Global Markets The powers driving India Inc. One's a media baron who took on Rupert Murdoch -- and won. Another founded a company ranked with Facebook in global influence. Meet the business icons of India. Commentary India factories buzzing, recovery intact India © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Editorial Editions: Africa Arabic Argentina Brazil Canada China France Germany India Italy Japan Latin America Mexico Russia Spain United Kingdom United States Reuters Contact Us Advertise With Us Help Journalism Handbook Archive Site Index Video Index Analyst Research Mobile Newsletters RSS Podcasts Widgets Your View Labs Thomson Reuters Copyright Disclaimer Privacy Professional Products Professional Products Support Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Careers Online Products Acquisitions Monthly Buyouts.com Buyouts Europe: Buyouts Conferences: Venture Capital Journal EVCJ International Financing Review International Securitisation Report Project Finance International PEhub.com PE Week Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Iran's judiciary chief refuses to speed executions
Hacker attack shuts website of Russian opposition newspaper
ExxonMobil profit at 6 billion dollars in fourth quarter
Macmillan raising e-book prices, Amazon opposed
A look at Iraq's March parliamentary vote
Attacks by female suicide bombers in Iraq
Nokia cuts phone prices as market growth returns
Fico favorite as Slovakia sets June 12 poll |
Suicide bomber kills 41 Shi'ite pilgrims in Iraq
Northern Ireland parties hopeful deal can be done |
Yiddish poet Abraham Sutzkever, 96, dies in Israel
NATO pressing for more training for Afghan forces |
Iran top judge rejects "political" hanging pressure
Berlusconi: Bring Israel into the EU
Ukraine's Tymoshenko revels as rival shuns TV clash |
Female suicide bomber hits Iraq pilgrims, kills 54
Pope confirms Britain visit, attacks equality bill |
Nokia cuts phone prices as market growth returns
7 US, European scientists win Israel's Wolf Prize
4 NATO troops, 1 from US, die in Afghan fighting
Pakistani Taliban promise proof leader is alive
Prosecutors quizz Japan ruling party heavyweight
Taiwan tunnel project cleared of typhoon deaths
Pakistan offers to train Afghan security forces
Obama budget would impose host of tax increases
Rival Koreas' talks sputter; North's guns quiet
Plane reporting on traffic lands on NJ Turnpike
Ore. faith healing case: Jury deliberations resume
States seeking to ban mandatory health insurance
Pakistan detains American man near Afghan border
Obama to visit Indonesia, Australia in March
Sri Lanka opposition complains of gov't pressure
NY grand jury indicts father of man in terror plot
Sri Lanka in biggest military purge after coup fears
Strong economy to help Thailand face protests: PM
Blaze that killed 5 in NYC is ruled arson
Obama seeks $192B for wars
US envoy say Iraqi vote must be accepted as fair
Without groundhogs, Alaska to celebrate Marmot Day
FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in New Zealand
Obama seeks boost in Pakistan aid
60th Berlin film fest goes back to East-West roots
Rising exports boost India manufacturing activity
Etta James remains hospitalized in Riverside
Transformers, Bullock among Razzie contenders |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
CBS sells out Super Bowl advertising spots
Egypt tightens penalties for relics robbers, smugglers
UK pop sale for Haiti raises $80,000 so far |
Rip Torn appears in Conn. court on burglary charge
CBS sells out Super Bowl advertising spots |
France honors actors Jim Carrey and EwaMcGregor
'Transformers', 'Land of Lost' top Oscar 'flops'
Pauly Fuemana of How Bizarre fame dies |
Stars gather to cover 'We Are the World' for Haiti
National Portrait Gallery hangs image of Salinger
Pauly Fuemana of "How Bizarre" fame dies
Marine deaths underline US struggle in Afghanistan
HRW calls on Russia to stop blocking 'peaceful' demos
US-TECH Summary
French court seeks answers on deadly Concorde crash
Google News tunes into favored topics
South Korea rules out payoff for summit with North |
Obama answers questions from YouTube users
U.S. fails to hit missile mimicking Iranian strike
Sony Pictures Entertainment cuts 450 jobs
'Mutiny' hits elite Russian riot police: report
U.S. seeks calm as China fumes over Taiwan arms |
Russian economy shrinks almost 8 percent in 2009
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Ukraine's Yanukovich skips televised election debate
Berlusconi says Israel should join EU
ExxonMobil profit at 6 billion dollars in fourth quarter
Abbas offers talks with Israel if building halted |
Israelis disciplined in attack on UN warehouse
1,400 Twitter users tweet about democracy in US contest
Obama seeks to create jobs, cut deficit in 2011 budget
Russia arrests deal a blow to free speech: U.S. |
Bill Clinton to coordinate Haiti relief efforts |
Amazon, Macmillan in public tussle over e-book prices
"Alarming" rise in cyberattacks at social networks: Sophos
Somali pirates release cargo ship, ransom paid |
Pope confirms Britain visit, attacks equality bill |
Amazon loss on e-book pricing could fuel trend |
Smartphone competition to bite in 2010 after Q4 boom |
Audio shows slain Ariz. officer was wary at stop
Leaked Lost episode spurs surprising fan reaction |
TX store sells $144 million-winning lottery ticket
Stars gather to cover 'We Are the World' for Haiti
Judge denies feng shui master Wang fortune
Obama unveils budget for tough times
China investigates as melamine-tainted milk reappears
Google launches Chinese holiday travel map amid row
Backhoes, dogs search snow for Iowa State student
Australia PM warns of 'tight' elections
First woman set to lead California National Guard
Protester throws excrement into Thai PM's house
Gates to announce senior-level review on gay ban
Arrest of Americans deepens Haiti adoption debate
Malaysia's Anwar to call PM to sodomy trial
HK feng shui master loses bid for tycoon's fortune
Hong Kong 'referendum' sets China on edge
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
China launches emergency sweep for tainted milk
Stars gather to cover 'We Are the World' for Haiti
China ore standoff shows limits to economic clout
Toyota denies electronic problems in recall
S.Korea T-bond futures turn up after RBA decision
SKorean currency reserves hit fresh record high
PAKISTAN
Star power: celebrity endorsements surge at Grammys |
It's top-10 time as Oscars reveal expanded lineup
S.Korea fund to buy stake in British airport
Oscars then and now: A look at 1939's 10 nominees |
China's interests may limit sanctions on US firms
Orlando Bloom to star in Good Doctor |
US jazz supremo Metheny re-invents one-man band in France
HBO eyes biopic about anti-gay activist Bryant
Toyota gears up for mass faulty pedals fix
Olivia Wilde lassos role in Cowboys and Alien |
Leaked Lost episode spurs surprising fan reaction |
Oscars then and now: A look at 1939's 10 nominees
S.Korean bonds fall on U.S. lead, firmer shares
Transformers, Bullock among Razzie contenders |
HBO eyes biopic about anti-gay activist Bryant |
Korean pension fund to buy 12 pct stake in Gatwick airport -FT
Captain of 'Deadliest Catch' ship suffers stroke
Leaked "Lost" episode spurs surprising fan reaction
Rip Torn headed for rehab after arrested drunk in bank |
Grammy TV audience biggest in six years |
Star power: celebrity endorsements surge at Grammys
Matthew Broderick heads to "Beach" for TV pilot
Colbert faces off with Ford Jr. over NY residency
Afghan leader seeks Saudi help with Taliban |
Iran to hang nine more over election unrest
Univision launches YouTube channel
China warns U.S. on Dalai Lama, says to punish arms firms |
Concorde trial starts in France 10 years after crash |
Iran: US missile system meant to sow Gulf division
CORRECTED
Iran to hang nine more over election unrest |
Mousavi says he will fight for Iranians' rights
Ex-UK minister says Blair lied over Iraq war |
Dictatorship exists in Iran despite revolution: Mousavi
Afghan drug trade fuels insurgency
Iran criticizes U.S. missile deployments in Gulf |
West eyes Iran central bank in sanction push
Witness links Berlusconi associate to top mobster |
Americans held in Pakistan complain of torture |
Half population of south Sudan short of food -U.N. |
Crisis-hit Greeks scramble for tax receipts |
Google pushes Chrome browser as PC battle looms |
Online gamers set for consolidation wave in 2010 |
Karzai to talk Taliban reconciliation with Saudis
US official: China overreacted to Taiwan arms sale
Man who spent 3 months in Tokyo airport to leave
Use of Twitter, Facebook rising among gang members
Concorde crash trial to open in France
Americans held in Pakistan complain of torture
Sioux reservation struggling after winter storms
Indonesia to probe villas built in national park
'Terminal' activist to keep campaigning in China
Obama team pitching budget, jobs plan on Hill
Republican, Democrat hopefuls target Obama Senate seat
US to Japan: Solve int'l child custody problems
Philippine survey shows Aquino rival catching up
Pakistani rupee firms; o/n rates down; stocks flat
Upbeat US figures boost Asian markets
Violence erupts in N.Korea as hunger woes mount
Hollywood counts down to Oscar nominations
Nomura in black for third straight quarter
Siemens to invest $346mln in India
China faces risks from bank lending surge: OECD
Costco to spend about $940 mln in Taiwan expansion
Violence erupts in North Korean markets: reports
Avatar, Hurt Locker lead groundbreaking Oscars |
OECD recommends stronger Chinese currency
Sandra Bullock poised for first Oscar |
Toyota fears greater damage from latest recall
Stars remake We Are The World for Haiti victims |
Danica Patrick to appear on 'CSI: NY'
Leung: Wong Kar-wai's kung fu biopic action-packed
Jaws producer David Brown dies at 93 in New York |
Obama to show family his Indonesian past on visit
"Avatar" tightens its grip on UK box office
Cigarette-maker repents over exploding product
Simon Cowell's Haiti single hits airwaves |
Simon Cowell's Haiti single hits airwaves
Orlando Bloom to star in "Good Doctor"
US to change military gay ban: report
Olivia Wilde lassos role in "Cowboys and Alien"
Bordeaux wine industry rallies to survive in US
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01