A couple of weeks ago, we reported on the nominations for the London Evening Standard Awards — a juried critics’ honor devoted to British films and talent. As it turns out, that “nominee” list was a bit of a false alarm; rather, it was a rough longlist of names considered by the jury that the Standard released prematurely.
The official nominations for the awards were announced today, and I have to say, it’s my favorite such list I’ve seen all season. This year’s jury can’t be accused of playing it safe: it’s certainly ballsy to omit “The King’s Speech” in the top race.
In its place, I’m thrilled to see my #1 film of 2010, Sylvain Chomet’s “The Illusionist,” as well as Peter Mullan’s riveting youth drama “Neds,” which I reviewed back in October. Add in due respect for Mike Leigh, and I don’t think the field could better represent the year in British film.
The lower categories are similarly well thought out, notably a smashing Best Actress category that finds room for two under-appreciated turns from Brenda Blethyn and Kristin Scott Thomas. Kudos to critics Tim Robey, Derek Malcolm, Kate Muir, Charlotte O’Sullivan, Anthony Quinn and David Sexton for putting some real thought into this.
The awards will be presented in London on February 7. Full list of nominees (the real ones, this time) at The Circuit.
[Image: Sony Pictures Classics]
Comments
7 responses to “Evening Standard Award nominees, take two”
“The Illusionist” is very good, but I’m a bit surprised you were so taken with it. I think the story leaves a lot to be desired, however astonishing the animation is.
Shoving a bunch of different technical categories together for the “Technical Achievement Award” doesn’t make any sense. How is score supposed to be measured against cinematography?
KST and Swinton were…okay, but it’s hard to be better in Manville when your films are such stinkers. Haven’t seen London River, so I can’t judge there. Otherwise a solid list, that Best Actor top 3 is pretty hard to argue with.
Exit Through the Gift Shop!
I wouldn’t call those the top technical achievements of the year by any means.
Looks more geared to honoring British talent than British films. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.) I’d say they could fill the list without including a single British film production, if they had to or were so inclined.
Hans: Considering the British remit, I think those are solid technical choices. I suppose they could have nominated Roger Deakins, but he doesn’t exactly want for recognition right now.
That “Winter’s Bone” score is fantastic.
Oh, I completely missed the “British talent” part. I had no idea the Winter’s Bone score was Brit-made, that somehow makes it all the more impressive (I did quite like it, despite my reservations of the film). Guy Dyas or Rachel Portman showing up would have been nice, but otherwise that’s a respectable slate then.