By Sean O’Connell
hollywoodnews.com: It’s unclear yet how many films will compete for a Best Picture trophy at this year’s Academy Awards. Rule changes eliminate the need to film 10 slots, so a fluid number of pictures could end up with nominations on Jan. 24. But it’s safe to bet that the movies that do make the cut will come from this list.
The Producers Guild of America in just revealed its l0 nominees for Producer of the Year Award. Unlike the Academy, the group stuck with a traditional 10, and found room for a few surprises. Here are their selections:
THE ARTIST
Producer: Thomas Langmann
BRIDESMAIDS
Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, Clayton Townsend
THE DESCENDANTS
Producers: Jim Burke, Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO
Producers: Ceán Chaffin, Scott Rudin
THE HELP
Producers: Michael Barnathan, Chris Columbus, Brunson Green
HUGO
Producers: Graham King, Martin Scorsese
THE IDES OF MARCH
Producers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Brian Oliver
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Producers: Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum
MONEYBALL
Producers: Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz, Brad Pitt
WAR HORSE
Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
Heavy hitters like “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “War Horse” and “The Help” likely can book their ticket for the Kodak Theatre. But today’s announcements generated hope for alleged fringe players like “Moneyball,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Bridesmaids.”
Also, quietly, George Clooney’s “The Ides of March” has received significant support from the PGA and the HFPA. Could the Academy follow their leads?
“Drive” and “Shame,” which appeared to be longshots, took a hit here, though both could be helped by the Directors Guild, who easily could honor Steve McQueen and Nicolas Winding Refn and put both films right back on the Oscar map.
In addition, the PGA revealed its nominees for Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures, which were:
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN
Producers: Peter Jackson, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg
CARS 2
Producer: Denise Ream
KUNG FU PANDA 2
Producer: Melissa Cobb
PUSS IN BOOTS
Producers: Joe M. Aguilar, Latifa Ouaou
RANGO
Producers: John B. Carls, Gore Verbinski
For a full list of this morning’s PGA nominees, click here.
Awards Alley brings you the best Oscar coverage. Click below to read our exclusive interviews with:
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