Designing dreams – this years nominations

The Art Directors Guild of America (ADG) announced their annual award nominations today. Babs has always been interested in this particular honour. Split into 3 categories the movie section honours period, fantasy and contemporary film production design. Not many surprises except the ridiculous nomination for “Bridesmaids” it always irritates that films tend to run in packs as far as nominations are concerned during awards season. “Bridesmaids” may have had a funny lead performance and if you really want to stretch it, the screenplay was ok, but production design? – oh please. The guild has yet to decide the nomination for Steven Spielberg’s animated “Tin Tin” movie.

Period Film.

THE ARTIST.  Laurence Bennett

HUGO. Dante Ferretti

ANONYMOUS.  Sebastian Krawinkel

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY.  Maria Djurkovic

THE HELP.  Mark Ricker

Ben Kingsley in a setting from “Hugo” production design by Dante Ferretti.

Fantasy Film.

HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2.  Stuart Craig

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER.  Rick Heinrichs

THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN  (designer to be determined)

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES.  John Myhre

COWBOYS & ALIENS.  Scott Chambliss

Gringott’s Wizardry Bank from Harry Potter – production designer Stuart Craig

Contemporary Film.

THE DESCENDANTS.  Jane Anne Stewart

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.  Donald Graham Burt

DRIVE.  Beth Mickle

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE .  K.K. Barrett

BRIDESMAIDS.  Jefferson Sage

A setting from the visually arresting “Drive” production designer Beth Mickle.

In the television categories of interest are some of Babs faves getting a mention.

One Hour Single Camera Series.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (Episode 21).   Bill Groom

GAME OF THRONES  (A Golden Crown).  Gemma Jackson

AMERICAN HORROR STORY (Murder House).  Mark Worthington

THE PLAYBOY CLUB (The Scarlett Bunny).  Scott P. Murphy

PAN AM (Pilot).  Bob Shaw

The kitchen from the horror house – “American Horror Story”.

Telemovie or Miniseries.

MILDRED PIERCE.  Mark Friedberg

CINEMA VERITE.  Patti Podesta

TOO BIG TO FAIL.  Bob Shaw

THE HOUR.  Eve Stewart

BLING RING.  Robb Wilson King

Mildred Pierce “kitchen set” designer Mark Friedberg

A couple of favourites are in the mix – Dante Ferretti, Stuart Craig, Rick Heinrichs, Bob Shaw, Mark Friedberg. Very happy that Gemma Jackson has been noticed for “Game Of Thrones”, pleased also that “The Help” is on the list. Thrilled that “Drive” has been recognised. I haven’t seen all of the nominees but I will try and catch up before the announcement of the winners on Feb 4. It will be interesting to see how the Gloscars compare.

This years lifetime achievement award goes to Tony Walton responsible for many films amongst them “Murder On The Orient Express”, “The Wiz”, “The Boyfriend”, “Prince Of The City”. He was once married to Julie Andrews. Also to be honoured with a Cinematic Imagery Award are the team behind the Harry Potter franchise including Stuart Craig (Production Designer), Neil Lamont (Art Director) and Stephenie McMillan (Set Decorator).

Set decorator Stephenie McMillan and production designer Stuart Craig the masters behind Harry Potter’s striking visual design.

Designing dreams

I am very excited today, why you ask?

Tomorrow morning I should wake up to the announcement of the nominations for the Art Directors Guild Of America’s annual awards for excellence in production design.

Unlike the Oscars where all designs are bunched in together, the ADG have 3 separate categories for film.

Contemporary, Period & Fantasy.

Last years winners were –

Contemporary – THE HURT LOCKER

Period – SHERLOCK HOLMES

Fantasy – AVATAR

Will be interesting to see what films are nominated this year. I expect “Alice In Wonderland” and “Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows” to appear in the fantasy category. Contemporary – “Black Swan” & “Social Network” maybe?  Period – “King’s Speech”. I would like to see my fave designer of the moment Mark Friedberg get a nomination for Julie Taymor’s film of “The Tempest” and I hope that Dante Ferretti is recognised for his superb designs on “Shutter Island”.

They also nominate TV design, hopefully “True Blood” will get a nomination, I expect “Mad Men” will too, and “The Pacific” of course, good luck to the Aussie’s involved who have already won an Emmy.

Will let you know my honest opinion when the nominations are announced.

Martin Scorcese directs Ben Kingsley, Leonardo DiCaprio & Mark Ruffalo on the set of “Shutter Island” – production designer Dante Ferretti.