Screen's Awards Countdown

Awards Countdown Newsletter 31 December 2012 News Les Misérables earns $23.4m from holiday launches Universal Pictures International reported on Wednesday (26) that the musical has reached an estimated $23.4m following record-breaking launches and previews in seven territories. Hobbit, Django, Les Mis drive final US weekend of 2012 In a spirited session, New Line/MGM/Warner Bros’ The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ruled in its third weekend on an estimated $32.9m. Skyfall crossed $1bn worldwide (see separate story) and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures set a new company record for a calendar year. Academy unveils foreign-language shortlist Nine films will advance to the next round of voting from a pool of 71. Germany’s Barbara and Spain’s Blancanieves fail to make the cut. OPEN SEASON AWARDS BLOG Actress race heats up with young talents Lawrence and Chastain How the Best Actress race is shaping up to be this season’s strongest acting category. Interview Flying lessons Robert Zemeckis’ Flight has the feel of a 1970s drama, the budget of an indie film and the box-office trajectory of a sleeper hit. John Hazelton speaks to Zemeckis and stars Denzel Washington and Kelly Reilly. A revolutionary new approach For the veterans behind Les Misérables, it was a film of firsts – including the bold move to capture actors singing live on set. Wendy Mitchell talks to the team that brought the iconic musical to life on screen. Joe Wright The director talks about his fresh take on Tolstoy classic Anna Karenina. Wes Anderson The director talks about Moonrise Kingdom, a film inspired by children’s literature and Americana You have received this email because you have subscribed to this newsletter on www.screendaily.com.