Though didn't land 12 nods like 'Eastern Promises', the Sarah Polley's drama managed to steal the spotlight at the 28 Annual Genie Awards' ceremony on Monday, March 3, as it brought home 7 awards.
- Mar 4, 2008
AceShowbiz - Though "Away From Her" was overshadowed by the Russian mobsters' film "Eastern Promises" at the 28 Annual Genie Awards' nominations, it proved to many that it was worth to be praised as the romantic drama film swept away all of the nods given to it. On Monday, March 3, the Lions Gate Films' movie brought home 7 awards from the Canadian film award, including best film prize.
In nailing the top film kudo, the Alzheimer's drama beat out tough contenders, "Promises", "Shake Hands With the Devil", "L'age Des Tenebres" (Days of Darkness) and "Continental, Un Film Sans Fusil" (Continental, A Film Without Guns). Further, "Away" brought recognition to first-time director Sarah Polley who nabbed the achievement in direction prize, the best adapted screenplay as well as the Claude Jutra Award that honors first-time filmmakers for their outstanding achievement.
Aside from those four awards, Polley's film also took away three performers kudos for Gordon Pinsent, Julie Christie and Kristen Thomson from the categories of best leading actor and actress as well as best supporting actress respectively. Pinsent was triumphant over four other nominees, including Viggo Mortensen of "Promises" and Roy Dupuis of "Devil", while Christie beat out Academy Award-nominated actress Ellen Page.
Though failed to sweep all the 12 categories it was nominated for, "Promises" didn't go home as a sore loser as it still managed to also collect 7 Genie statuettes. Some of the awards were for best supporting actor category that went to Armin Mueller-Stahl and for best original screenplay category which was earned by Steve Knight. However, unlike "Promise", "Devil" which also received 12 nods earlier only nailed one kudo for best original song.
The award ceremony of 2008 Genies was held last Monday night in Toronto. It was broadcast live on the E! Television Network in Canada and also on Canada's version of IFC at about 10 PM ET. The full list of 2008 Genies can be seen at GenieAwards.ca(PDF), whereas the partial list can be read below.
The Partial List of the 28th Genie Awards' Winners:
- Best Motion Picture: "Away From Her"
- Achievement in Direction: Sarah Polley, "Away From Her"
- Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Gordon Pinsent, "Away From Her"
- Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role: Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
- Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: Armin Mueller-Stahl, "Eastern Promises"
- Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role: Kristen Thomson, "Away From Her"
- Original Screenplay: Steve Knight, "Eastern Promises"
- Adapted Screenplay: Sarah Polley, "Away From Her"
