A column chronicling conversations and events on the awards circuit.
Spielberg also caught up withElvisdirector Baz Luhrmann as he entered, as did other directors like Field.
Luhrmann told me she had been so happy, in such a good place.
(L-R) Disney’s Alan Bergman and Bob Iger and Jerry Bruckheimer on FridayFrazer Harrison/Getty Images
Like many newbies, both he and first-timer Kosinski had heard it was the best event of the season.
Everyone is a winner, Kosinski laughed.
Those are just the ones I ran into.
Michelle Yeoh and Ted Sarandos at AFIPete Hammond/Deadline
The program always ends with a benediction by someone chosen by AFI to speak to the crowd.
By the way, though he didnt say it, the film he was up for wasSerpico.
A WHALE OF A TALE
Speaking of the Oscars, voting continues for nominations through Tuesday.
No one seems to be letting up.
Cameron and theAvatargang are doing several Q&As through the MLK holiday weekend, and so are others.
It is actually a people movie, not a critics one, said one exec close to the film.
They are essentially the chosen few that backers decide are worth the expense of going after the gold.
To do it obviously the key is word of mouth and getting it seen by fellow actors.
They arent alone though.
I got a text from Frances Fisher that read: I just sawTo Leslie.OMG!
Andrea Riseborough just went to the top of my list for Best Actress!!!
Shes been telling her fellow Actors Branch Academy members and supporting screenings and receptions for it.
The campaign has also gotten some trade coverage, though an ad buy is pretty much out of range.
Depending on turnout, it obviously could be less.
DIANE LADD GOES FOR OSCAR NOM #4
Other stealth campaigns are going on too.
Williams proudly notes the film is in the running.
We qualified for the Academys long list for Best Picture and Best Actor.
I would assume with the lowest-budgeted feature and most independent movie out of all of them, he says.
But hey, you take what you’re free to get.
I know we wont win Best Picture (ed note:you think?
), but I know we can get some traction on the Best Actor front.
Oscar nominations will be announced January 24.
Good luck, to all.
Keep the dream alive.
