Press release from SPAA
The Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) is thrilled by the news that SPAA Independent Producer of the Year in 2009, Emile Sherman, has been nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in this year’s Academy Awards for the film The King’s Speech.
SPAA President Antony I. Ginanne commented: “On behalf of SPAA it is an honor and a privilege to congratulate SPAA Independent Producer of the Year 2009 Emile Sherman for sharing an Academy Award ® nomination as producer of The King’s Speech; which won the PGA Best Film of the Year Award last weekend.
Emile joins a select group of Australians (Jan Chapman, Jane Scott, George Miller, Doug Mitchell and Bill Miller) who have previously been so honored.
The fact that Emile’s nomination was announced on Australia Day is appropriate because while The King’s Speech is a British production, it speaks as to the ability of Australian producers in the film industry (as well as actors, directors and technicians) to work and succeed worldwide.”
SPAA also acknowledges Jackie Weaver’s nomination for Best Actress in the Liz Watts’ production Animal Kingdom.
We wish the Australian nominees in all categories the best of luck on Oscars’ night on 27 February.