In case you didn't know it already, a film producer is the guy or gal - although, let's be honest; it is usually a guy - who is at the helm of the whole movie. You might think the director takes care of that but somebody has to pay the caterer. OK, the producer probably has like eighteen assistants to do that but ultimately, they make sure the picture comes together. If you're a good producer and you have some success, then you get to become a member of the Producers Guild of America. The PGA has announced their choices for the best of 2008. As they only have nominations in three film categories, let's get straight to them.
BEST PICTURE
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT
FROST/NIXON
MILK
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
BEST DOCUMENTARY
MAN ON WIRE
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
TROUBLE THE WATER
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
BOLT
KUNG FU PANDA
WALL-E
Of the last 19 years, the winner of the PGA award for Best Picture went on to win the Best Picture Oscar. Typically, at least three, most often four, of the five nominees from the PGA go on to secure a nomination. While SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is essentially a lock at this point for the nomination, the other four nominees here have been inconsistent with their awards season support. I would say that THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, given its tremendous public support since its release, has just improved its chances greatly with this nomination. The more I think about FROST/NIXON, the more I hope it misses the nomination. It is a very good film, very solid all around, but it isn't as exciting a choice as say, WALL-E or THE WRESTLER would be. The PGA nomination has definitely helped MILK back up on its feet after a throw to the ground from the Golden Globes. And I am very pleased to see THE DARK KNIGHT make this cut. I think the Academy will follow suit. Well, they will if they want people to tune in anyway.
Next up, Black Sheep looks at the Screen Actors Guild (Tuesday), the Writers Guild (Wednesday) and Directors Guild (Thursday), It's a guildy kind of week here at Black Sheep.