OSCAR CONTENDERS GALORE AT SANTA BARBARA 23RD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL! By Bonnie Carroll  The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which ran through (January 4-February 3), rolled out the red carpet for the motion picture’s elite. Specific Award events, and opening & closing gala events gave fans a chance to see so many stars travel into the Arlington Theatre . At least 20 Academy Award® nominees, made an appearance at the 23rd edition of the festival.
SBIFF’s Modern Master recipient Cate Blanchett received two nods for Best Actress, (“Elizabeth: The Golden Age”) and Best Supporting Actress for ”I’m Not There,” while critics’ favorite Javier Bardem received aBest Supporting Actornomination for his performance in “No Country For Old Men,” along with Casey Affleck (The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford). Other Best Actress nominees  honored included Julie Christie (“Away From Her”), Ellen Page (Juno) and Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose) was honored, as well as Supporting Actress nominee Amy Ryan (“Gone Baby Gone”). Best Actor nominee Tommy Lee Jones (In The Valley of Elah, No Country For Old Men) was also nominated.
The event included informative panel discussions, question and answer opportunities with directors following films, a bevy of parties, b reakfasts and interview sessions, where first hand information could be collected by fans and press. A breakfast at Fess Parker Hotel, and a second film breakfast at the Mira Monte Hotel were both great venues to learn about film makers and their films. Local theatre’s were packed with movie fans who wanted to see the 2008 film submissions. The Apple Box provided great films for families, and introduces some great new movies for kids.
The SBIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching local culture and raising  consciousness of film as an art form. The SBIFF presents quality American and world independent films, Latin American and Asian sidebars as well as documentary cinema within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a premier tourist destination. The SBIFF is also committed to education through its Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Field Trip to the Movies, and educational seminars. With a projected audience of over 60,000 viewing more than 200 films over its eleven-day run, the SBIFF attracts an affluent local and national consumer base, while maintaining strong ties with the entertainment industry in nearby Los Angeles. For more information, please visit www.sbfilmfestival.org.
MERYL STREEP TO PLAY JULIA CHILD   It was reported by Variety that Actress Meryl Streep will play the late iconic American Chef Julia Child in an upcoming film which is an adaptation of her book Julie & Julia 365 Days, 524 Recipes. Julia brought French cooking to American kitchens, including mine, with her cookbooks and television shows, and she passed away in 2004. Nora Ephron, who is known for directing "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle," is adapting the screenplan and directing the film.
AMERICAN WOMEN IN RADIO & TELEVISION ANNOUNCES
33RD ANNUAL GRACIE AWARD® WINNERS Grand Award Winners to be Announced at Annual Awards Gala Featuring the Biggest Names in News and Entertainment  American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is pleased to announce the 2008 winners of the annual Gracie Awards. National award winners will be presented at a black-tie Gala, hosted by E! News anchor and managing editor Giuliana Rancic, in the Broadway Ballroom of the New York Marriott Marquis on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. Local market, public and student award winners will be announced later this week. The Gracies recognize exemplary programming created for women, by women and about women in all facets of electronic media, as well as individuals who have made contributions to the industry. The awards program also encourages the realistic and multifaceted portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news, features and other programs  Each year, the Gracies Gala attracts the best and brightest in radio, television, cable and new media. This year's national winners—including Disney Channel/Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus, TNT/Saving Grace's Holly Hunter, Fox/American Idol's Cecile Frot-Coutaz, NBC/Heroes' Ali Larter, NBC News' Hoda Kotb, Harpo Radio's Dr. Maya Angelou, CBS News' Nancy Giles, CNN's Heroes-An All Star Tribute, Lifetime's Army Wives, Oxygen's Who Cares About the Girls, CNBC's The Suze Orman Show, WE TV's Wedding Central and Nickelodeon/MTV Networks' Half of Us Special—represent a broad cross-section of outstanding actors, anchors, stories and programs (see below for a complete list of winners). "The strength and diversity of this year's Gracie Award winners is a testament to the vital presence of women in the industry," stated 2007/2008 Chair of AWRT, Mary Bennett, Executive Vice President, Marketing Division of the Radio Advertising Bureau. "We are honored to shine a spotlight on them." Added AWRT President Maria Efantis Brennan, CAE, "Every year we think we can't possibly have a more distinguished group of Gracie Award winners, and every year we're surprised and honored by the overwhelming response from our industry. We're also thrilled to have Dove and the Campaign for Real Beauty return as the Gracies' 2008 title sponsor." The Gracies are presented by the Foundation of AWRT, the philanthropic arm of AWRT, which supports educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Gracie Awards, established in 1975, honor programming and individuals of the highest caliber in all facets of radio, television, cable and web-based media, including news, drama, comedy, commercials, public service, documentary and sports. Tickets for the Gala are $395 for AWRT Members/$500 for Non-Members and can be purchased online at www.awrt.org. Sponsored tables are available ranging from $7,500 to $20,000. For more information, please contact Erin Mote at (703) 506-3290. For more information about the Gracie Awards, please visit http://www.awrt.org/awards/gracies.html. About AWRT: The year 2008 marks the 57th Anniversary of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve. About The Foundation of AWRT: The Foundation of AWRT is the philanthropic arm of American Women in Radio and Television, supporting educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation of AWRT has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation of AWRT.
The Foundation supports several public service campaigns including most recently AWRT Empowering America which pays tribute to many of America's most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this initiative, the Foundation of AWRT has adopted needy urban middle schools around the country and provided educational donations derived from collateral based on the Empowering America program. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs including the Gracie Allen Awards®, a live, New York-based gala that awards exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.
2008 Gracie Allen Awards® National Award Winners (In Alphabetical Order) Ali Larter in Heroes Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Supporting Actress - Drama Series Universal Media Studios Annette Flournoy with Oprah and Friends Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Producer - News Series or Special Harpo Radio Army Wives Outstanding Drama Lifetime Television Ashleigh Banfield Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Anchor News or News Magazine Court TV Better with Age Outstanding Magazine Show CNN Black History Month: Jay-Z Outstanding Commercial - Single Entry Nickelodeon/MTV Networks Cecile Frot-Coutaz with American Idol Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Producer - Entertainment Series or Special Fremantle Media North America/Fox Child Brides: Stolen Lives Outstanding Interactive Web Site PBS CNN Heroes-An All Star Tribute Outstanding Special Program CNN CNN Presents: God's Warriors Outstanding Documentary – Long Format CNN Conversations with Carlos Watson Outstanding Portrait/Biography Program Run Rabbit Run Productions Darfur Refugee Women Outstanding Feature - Hard News World Vision Report Debra Messing in The Starter Wife Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Female Lead - Mini-Series USA Network Dr. Maya Angelou with Oprah and Friends Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Host - Information Harpo Radio Dr. Phil Show Outstanding Interactive Web Site Dr. Phil Show E True Hollywood Story-Kathy Griffin Outstanding Portrait/Biography Program E Network End Violence Against Women Campaign Outstanding Public Service Announcement - Campaign Lifetime Television ESPN SportsCenter-The Fugees Outstanding Feature - Soft News ESPN Florence Henderson in The Florence Henderson Show Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Host - Information or Entertainment Retirement Living TV Gail Mancuso with 30 Rock Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Director - Entertainment Series or Special NBC Greenspan: Power, Money & the American Dream Outstanding Documentary – Mid-length Format CNBC Half of Us Special featuring Mary J. Blige Outstanding Public Affairs Program Nickelodeon/MTV Networks Hoda Kotb Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Host - News Program NBC News Holly Hunter in Saving Grace Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Female Lead - Drama Series Turner Network Television Judy Davis in The Starter Wife Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Supporting Actress – Mini-Series USA Network Lia Knight in The Lia Show Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Host - Entertainment Jones Radio Networks Maid School Outstanding Interview Program CBS News Mary Laurence Flynn Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Producer - News Series or Special NBC News Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Female Lead - Comedy Series (Children/Adolescent) Disney Channel More Time Outstanding Magazine Show Meredith Corporation/More Magazine Nancy Giles Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Reporter/Correspondent CBS News Sunday Morning Nancy Miller with Saving Grace Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Producer - Entertainment Series Turner Network Television NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams - The Forgotten Outstanding Feature - Hard News NBC News One with Kay Yow Outstanding Sports Program CSTV Orphans Rescued Outstanding Feature - Hard News CBS News Paula Deen with Paula's Home Cooking Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Host - Information or Entertainment Follow Productions/The Food Network Pushing Daisies Outstanding Comedy Warner Bros. Television/ABC Queen Latifah in Life Support Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Female Lead - Drama Series or Special Home Box Office Rory Kennedy with Ghosts of Abu Ghraib Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Director - News Series or Special Home Box Office Sarah's Brain Outstanding Series CBS News Sexual Abuse of Native American Women Outstanding Investigative Program NPR Susan Sheperd with 11 Central Avenue Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Producer - Entertainment Series or Special 800 LB Productions The Backyardigans Outstanding Children/Adolescent Program Nickelodeon/MTV Networks The Gayle King Show Outstanding Talk Show Harpo Radio The Internet and Civil Rights in China Outstanding Series Radio Free Asia Mandarin Service The Satellite Sisters Outstanding Comedy Satellite Sisters The Suze Orman Show Outstanding Talk Show CNBC The World According to Giles and Moriarty Outstanding Interview Program CBS Radio News Tina Fey in 30 Rock Individual Achievement Award Outstanding Female Lead - Comedy Series NBC Tu Pride: Melissa, Talesha, Elan Outstanding Commercial - Campaign Nickelodeon/MTV Networks Wedding Central Outstanding Reality Show WE TV What Killed Rebecca Riley? Outstanding Investigative Program CBS News Where's Molly? Outstanding Feature - Soft News CNN Who Cares About Girls Outstanding Documentary – Mid-length Format Oxygen Media Youth Voices From Katrina Outstanding Documentary Youth Radio
AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST MARIANE PEARL TO RECEIVE AMERICAN WOMEN IN RADIO & TELEVISION International Outreach Award  American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2008 AWRT International Outreach Award is international journalist and author Mariane Pearl. The award – which recognizes an individual in the electronic media or allied field who has bridged borders and broken barriers to help Americans learn more, connect more or do more to support solutions that tackle issues of global concern – will be presented at a reception at the Hilton Washington Embassy Row in Washington, D.C., on Friday, March 14 , 2008, in conjunction with AWRT’s 2008 Leadership Summit & Business Conference. Mariane Pearl was five months pregnant when her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, was kidnapped and brutally murdered by a militant Islamic fundamentalist group in Pakistan in 2002. Her book A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Daniel Pearl introduced the world to Daniel as he was when he was alive and also provided a heartbreaking, first-person account of his disappearance and death. She co-founded the Daniel Pearl Foundation to further the ideals that inspired her husband’s life and work and to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music and innovative communications. An award-winning international journalist, Pearl has traveled the globe reporting and producing documentaries on the sensitive issues surrounding the application of genetic technology to contemporary challenges. Biological Memory, the second report in her series, won the prestigious Science and Society Award at the International Festival of Scientific Film. After September 11, 2001, she reported from Pakistan, examining media coverage of the war in neighboring Afghanistan. She currently serves as a “Global Diary” columnist for Glamour magazine. “Mariane Pearl had the courage to turn tragedy into a purpose-driven mission that will inspire many generations to come,” said AWRT President Maria Efantis Brennan, CAE. “It’s our honor to recognize her with the AWRT International Outreach Award.” “I am honored and it is certainly a great encouragement to receive this award,” said Mariane Pearl. The AWRT International Outreach Award presentation is part of the AWRT Leadership Summit & Business Conference—an annual gathering of professionals and leaders for information exchange, professional development and networking. For more information and to register for the 2008 AWRT Leadership Summit & Business Conference, please visit www.awrt.org.
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Brevard College will host the Banff Mountain Film Festival on its campus March 14 and 15. The annual festival attracts over a thousand visitors to the campus, and Brevard College is one of only two in the region chosen to host the festival. The festival began in 1976 and is held each November. It is an international film competition featuring the world’s best footage of mountain subjects. After the competition in November, the best films are chosen for a world-wide tour. This year’s tour will travel to more than 275 communities and 30 countries. BC students and sponsors recently screened 27 film choices and made selections of audience favorites and award-winning films from more than 300 films in this year’s competition. Selections this year include award-winners Badgered and 20 Seconds of Joy. The Banff Mountain Film Festival will be held in the Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts. Films will be shown at 7 p.m. both nights. Advance tickets for the public are $12 and $15 at the door and $5 for students with a valid BC id. Tickets can be purchased by calling (828) 884-8127.
MOVIEONE'S WINNERS: 2008 Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Foreign Film
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Documentary Feature
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
'Falling Slowly'
Best Film Editing
Best Documentary - Short Subject
'La Corona (The Crown)' - Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Sound Mixing
Best Sound Editing
Best Live Action Short Film
'At Night'
'Il Supplente (The Substitute)'
'Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)'  'Tanghi Argentini'
'The Tonto Woman'
Best Animated Short Film
'I Met the Walrus'
'Madame Tutli-Putli'
'Même les Pigeons vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go To Heaven)'
'My Love (Moya Lyubov)'
'Peter & the Wolf' Best Makeup
'Norbit' - Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji
Best Art Direction
'Atonement' - Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
Lifetime Achievement Award
Best Visual Effects
'Transformers' - Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier
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