Today, GLAAD congratulated the creative teams and casts ofMilk and Vicky Cristina Barcelona which received a combined 9 Oscar nominations during today's announcement of nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Below is a statement by GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano:
GLAAD is thrilled with the nominations received by films that tell inclusive stories of our community. The success of Milk is an important reminder to Hollywood that audiences are hungry for films that tell authentic and compelling stories about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Milk has connected with gay and straight audiences alike and created national discussion at a time when our community continues to face opposition in our pursuit of equality.
What people see in the media shapes how they view LGBT people, and inclusive images like these help people embrace their family members, friends and neighbors with understanding and acceptance.Milk is among the leading Oscar nominees in major categories with 8 nominations:
- BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
- PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – Sean Penn
- PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – Josh Brolin
- ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING – Gus Van Sant
- BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Dustin Lance Black
- ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN – Danny Glicker
- ACHIEVEMENT IN FILM EDITING – Elliot Graham
- BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – Danny Elfman
What writer Dustin Lance Black and director Gus Van Sant have remarkably done is tell a story that celebrates the man, the era and the greater LGBT movement. Their work on Milk has the power to inform new generations of the history of our community and our struggles for equality.
Today’s Best Actor nomination for Sean Penn is so richly deserved. His groundbreaking performance gave audiences the opportunity to get to know Harvey Milk’s conviction, passion and the indelible influence he had on our movement and our community.
January 22, 2009
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