2011 BOBTV opens in Abuja with list of Awardees

bobtv20112

The 8th edition of the Best of the Best in films and TV programmes(BOBTV) begins today at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja.

Amaka-Igwe

Nollywood icon Amaka Igwe is the brain behind this important fiesta of movies and TV programmes.

The 8th BOBTV is attracting visitors and participants from within Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, Zimbabwe, Namibia, England, United States, South Africa and other countries.

See the details in the following press release on the event that will end on Thursday march 17, 2011.

The organisers of BOBTV, Africa’s premiere film and television programmes expo, have released the list of “Best of the Best” honours for 2011. The list includes chairman of the Silverbird group, Ben Murray Bruce, nollywood movie marketer Ossy Affason, copyright lawyer Efere Ozakor and Make-up and special effects virtuoso Dagogo Diminas.

Acknowledging hardworking professionals who have contributed to the growth of the movie and television industry in Nigeria has always been an integral part of BOBTV. The recipients will be showcased and celebrated at the 8th African Film and TV Programmes Market, BOBTV 2011, scheduled to hold from the 15th to the 17th of March at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

Ben Murray Bruce, Director of the Silverbird group, owners of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria franchise, Silverbird Television and Rhythm 93.7 radio stations, was chosen in recognition of his mammoth contribution to the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Ossy Affason’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s movie market can’t be understated. The renowned movie marketer and distributor of Nollywood movies has been chosen for his pioneering contribution to movie marketing in Nollywood.

Entertainment lawyer Efere Ozakor, who took a different approach to entertainment law in Nigeria was chosen for his outstanding contribution to the provision of legal framework for the Nigerian broadcast and entertainment industry.

Dagogo Diminas, make-up and special effects pioneer, with over two decades of experience has been chosen for his pioneering excellence in special effects in Nollywood.

This year’s recipients join the prestigious “Best of the Best” honours list that includes Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Peter Igho, Ms. Liz Benson, Mr. Andy Amenechi, Sam Loco Efe, Chika Onu, Dr. Umar Farouk Jibril, Antar Olaniyan and Engr. Tony Ikoku. Mr. Lekan Ogunbamwo, Mr. Sam Dede, Bukky Ajayi, amongst others.

DStv MARCH 2011 HIGHLIGHTS

MultiChoice DSTV

DStv MARCH 2011 HIGHLIGHTS

M-NET (DStv channel 101/102)

dstv

The Hurt Locker: An intense portrayal of elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: disarming bombs in the heat of combat. When a new sergeant, James, takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict, he surprises his two subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge, by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat. James behaves as if he’s indifferent to death. As the men struggle to control their wild new leader, the city explodes into chaos, and James’ true character reveals itself in a way that will change each man forever. Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty, DStv audiences can tune in to The Hurt Locker on M-Net on Sunday 13 March.

Bounty Hunter: A bounty hunter learns that his next target is his ex-wife, a reporter working on a murder cover-up. Soon after their reunion, the always-at-odds duo finds themselves on a run-for-their-lives adventure. Milo Boyd, a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly. He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole. The exes continually one-up each other – until they find themselves on the run for their lives. They thought their promise to love, honor and obey was tough – staying alive is going to be a whole lot tougher. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, the movie will be screened on M-Net on DStv on Sunday 20 March.

Sherlock Holmes: Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. After finally catching serial killer Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner’s new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder and deceit – and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler. Starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law and Rachel McAdams, DStv audiences can watch Sherlock Holmes on M-Net on Sunday 27 March.

UNIVERSAL CHANNEL (DStv channel 108)

Meteor Storm: A devastating disaster movie starring Michael Trucco (Battlestar Galactica), Kari Matchett and Eric Johnson (Flash Gordon). When a rogue comet orbits the Earth, astronomer Michelle Young is enthralled by the once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. However, her wonder soon turns to terror when the comet causes meteors to fall from the sky and bombard the city of San Francisco delivering an unstoppable torrent of chaos to the city streets. While the city’s disaster official tries to evacuate the terrified population, Michelle investigates why San Francisco is at the centre of this cataclysm and how to halt the destructive storm. The movie will be screened on the Universal Channel on DStv on Thursday 24 March at 20:00 CAT.

DStv audiences can also look out for season 1 of CSI New York on the Universal Channel: A riveting police drama moving the award-winning formula to New York, where forensics experts and detectives must scrutinise the evidence found at crime scenes and track down the culprits. The New York team is headed up by Detective Mac Taylor, (Gary Sinise: Forrest Gump, Apollo 13), a no nonsense ex-Marine Major who is traumatised by the death of wife in the 9/11 attacks on the city and suffers from chronic insomnia. Mac is partnered by Detective Jo Danville, an experienced investigator driven by her empathy by the victims of crime. DStv audiences can watch CSI New York on the Universal Channel on Mondays at 20:00 CAT.

SONY ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (DStv channel 113)

Clear and Present Danger: Harrison Ford (the original Star Wars trilogy, Blade Runner) returns as Jack Ryan in yet another compelling spy thriller based on Tom Clancy’s bestsellers. This time, the enemy is within his own government. As a high-ranking CIA official, Ryan is drawn in to investigate the murder of one of the president’s closest friends. However, unbeknown to him, he is being double-crossed from within his own ranks as the US government becomes embroiled in an illegal war against a Colombian drug cartel. Anne Archer is back as Ryan’s wife, and the film also stars Willem Dafoe (SpiderMan 3, The Boondock Saints). Clear and Present Danger was nominated for two Oscars®, and won a Blockbuster Award for favourite actor as well as an ASCAP award. Screening on Sony Entertainment Television on DStv on Sunday 13 March at 20:35 CAT.

The Sum of All Fears: Ben Affleck (Pearl Harbour, Good Will Hunting) is the latest actor to assume the on-screen role of Tom Clancy’s fictional CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who in this film must thwart a potential all-out war between the USA and Russia. Russia’s president dies and an enigmatic unknown succeeds him, opening the door for a return to frosty Cold War-era relations between East and West. Tensions escalate even more when the CIA starts suspecting that Russia is developing nuclear weapons – and that the target is the States. This fast-paced thrill-fest also features Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Shawshank Redemption, Invictus) and Liev Schreiber (The Manchurian Candidate, CSI). Screening on Sony Entertainment Television on DStv on Sunday 20 March at 20:35 CAT.

The Pelican Brief: Based on a John Grisham page-turner, this gripping thriller stars Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich) as a character that Grisham apparently wrote with Roberts specifically in mind. She stars as a law student who stumbles across the truth behind the assassination of two Supreme Court justices. The massive conspiracy she uncovers places her life – and those of others – in grave danger, and the only ally she can turn to is a journalist (Denzel Washington – Training Day, Malcolm X). The two stars both went on to win Academy Awards® for their roles in subsequent films. The Pelican Brief won an ASCAP Award and is a solidly entertaining thriller, brimming with intrigue and boosted by solid performances by the two young leads. Watch The Pelican Brief on Sony Entertainment Television on DStv on Sunday 27 March at 20:35 CAT.

Also tune in for the season 3 of the series Leverage on Sony Entertainment television. Oscar® winner Timothy Hutton (best supporting actor for Ordinary People) returns to our screens as Nathan Ford, a former insurance fraud investigator who now heads up an elite group of modern-day Robin Hoods – who target the corrupt, the unjust and the downright greedy to right the wrongs that have been perpetrated on innocent citizens. The third season of this stylish drama series opens with Ford still in prison, having been captured by the FBI. The other members of his crack team of con artists, professional thieves and computer whizzes plot to help their mastermind escape – but find themselves blackmailed by a mysterious stranger into taking down an infamous criminal in the process. The series also stars Gina Bellman (Coupling, Jekyll) and Christian Kane (Angel, Into the West) as members of Ford’s highly skilled group of grifters who use their criminal prowess to settle scores. The series continues on Sony Entertainment Television on DStv on Thursdays at 20:30 CAT.

BBC ENTERTAINMENT (DStv channel 120)

Top Gear is the world’s premier motoring show. A consistent ratings hit in the UK, the show is no less popular across the globe having been licensed to more than 50 international broadcasters, and has local versions in Russia, Australia and the USA. The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, is a fan and the programme has a global audience of around over 100 million. The 15th series sees the Top Gear team, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard (The Hamster) Hammond and James (Captain Slow) May carry out weekly power tests on the world’s most exciting super-cars, take part in daring challenges and look back at some of the stranger aspects of motoring history.

James May explores how close he can drive to the tip of a volcano in the first episode of the new series, while Jeremy Clarkson visits Yorkshire to investigate why there aren’t more 3-wheeled cars in the world by taking the iconic Robin Reliant for an eventful test drive. Meanwhile, Richard Hammond is in Sweden to take part in a race against hardcore snowmobilers. All of the favourite elements from previous series are back as well, with the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car section featuring some Hollywood A-listers in Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, as well as Jeff Goldblum (The Fly), Rupert Grint (Harry Potter) and Formula 1 star Rubens Barrichello. The stars will also be driving a new car this year, but what will happen to the old Chevrolet Lacetti? Full of stunts, challenges and special features, Top Gear is self-deprecating, inclusive and passionate – there are no boring statistics and impenetrable conversations about camshafts and tyre pressures. Instead you get authoritative information and entertainment.
Series 15 airs on BBC Entertainment on DStv on Wednesdays in March at 20.30 CAT

DISCOVERY CHANNEL (DStv channel 121)

Stan Lee’s Superhumans: As part of ‘Incredible People’ night on Discovery Channel, we will take a closer look at ordinary people who possess extraordinary abilities and remarkable skills due to their genetic differences. Our exciting line-up of premiere programming features Stan Lee – the man behind some of the biggest comic book heroes of all time – who will go in search of people with genuine, real life super-powers in Stan Lee’s Superhumans. Here, Stan will visit Daniel Browning-Smith, the world’s most flexible man, and a man claiming to be immune to electrocution. Watch as these ‘superhumans’ undergo scientific testing to help explain their astonishing gifts, and then they are put to the ultimate test to demonstrate what separates them from every other person on the planet. From Tuesday 15 March at 20:00 CAT on the Discovery Channel on DStv.

AirCrash Confidential: Every air crash is a catastrophe that leaves behind bereaved families and ruined lives. With each air disaster that occurs a lesson is learnt, and it is because of each disaster that we now know how to build safer planes, evacuate passengers more swiftly, and avoid air collisions altogether. AirCrash Confidential investigates various aviation disasters that have occurred over time, and reveals how and why tragedies still happen today. This gripping new series will explore why, despite repeated warnings, terrorists remain one step ahead of airport security, and how sometimes only a seating plan error has managed to save hundreds of people from being blown up in mid-air. Using powerful personal accounts from survivors, pilots and witnesses as well as comments from aviation experts and CGI special effects, each episode will explore how human error can never be entirely eliminated. Tune in on the Discovery Channel on DStv on Thursdays (10, 17 and 24 March) at 20:55 CAT.

E! ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (DStv channel 124)

Kourtney and Kim Take New York: Kourtney and Kim are heading to New York to open a new Dash store, but it’s never all business with these stylish sisters. There’s also world-class shopping, A-list nightclubs and drama with Scott. And now that Kim’s newly single, she’s taking the New York dating scene by storm. Get ready for a sinfully good season. Kourtney and Kim Take New York premieres on E! on DStv on Sunday 27 March at 23:00 CAT.

Plus tune in for more Kendra: What a difference a year can make! Following the most tumultuous twelve months of their relationship, Kendra and Hank Baskett have emerged stronger and more committed than ever to one another. From cross country moves in pursuit of Hank’s football dreams to sharing with fans the truth about her troubled youth, to finding the proper balance between raising baby Hank and her very demanding career, Kendra has remained steadfastly determined to “do it all.” In this third season, Kendra and Hank move their new family to Philadelphia as Hank starts the new football season with the Eagles. Tune in to Kendra on E! on DStv on Sundays at 23:00 CAT.

SONYMAX (DStv channel 126)

Scare Tactics: Hosted by Shannen Doherty of Charmed and Beverly Hills 90210 fame, this is a “candid camera” style reality show. It involves a hidden camera being set up to record pranks played on unsuspecting victims by their so-called friends and family – but with a touch of the macabre thrown in for scary effect. Special effects and stage make-up are used to recreate terrifying scenes and horror-movie clichés to scare the living daylights out of victims. Of course, their reactions are being recorded from multiple angles. So look out for a faux UFO abduction, Bigfoot attack, psycho hitchhiker and runaway zombie in season one! Scare Tactics continues on SonyMax on DStv from Monday – Friday at 20:30 CAT.

The District (Season 2): This gritty police drama series has earned plaudits – and multiple award nominations – for its uncompromising look at the world of crime and justice. New York police chief Jack Mannion (played by Craig T. Nelson – CSI: New York, My Name is Earl, The Proposal), pledges to halve Washington DC’s crime rate with his no-nonsense approach. But it’s not only the thugs he has to battle in his quest to revitalise the force – he comes up against politics, apathy, internal corruption and cumbersome red tape as well. Inspired by the real-life experiences of Bill Bratton and Jack Maple, who reinvigorated the NYPD, the series also stars the late Lynne Thigpen (Anger Management, Law & Order), Roger Aaron Brown (Nip/Tuck, Supernatural) and Sean Patrick Thomas (Lie To Me, Save the Last Dance). DStv audiences can watch The District on SonyMax from Monday – Friday in March at 16:45 CAT.

I Dare You! The Ultimate Challenge: Gasp at the world’s greatest daredevils undertaking death-defying (and sanity-defying) stunts in an attempt to shatter records while keeping DStv viewers on the precipice of their seats. You’ll experience testosterone and adrenaline by the bucket load in this high-octane reality thrill-fest, hosted by Lee Reherman (Wizards of Waverly Place) and featuring commentary by legendary stuntman Evel Knievel. Not a show for the faint-hearted! Tune in on SonyMax on DStv on Tuesdays in March at 22:00 CAT.

e.tv AFRICA (DStv channel 144)

Scandal: Break-ups and no make ups in the month of March…Cole (Emmanuel Castis) and Shakira’s (Dawn Matthews) relationship hits rock bottom after his CD launch. Cole has been spending too much time in Donna’s company, especially when they both find they have so much in common. Cole plants a chaste kiss on Donna. Will this send Shakira off the rails when she finds out? We all know what happened to Abigail when Shakira did not get her way with Cole. On the other side of town, Mo and Alex have reached the end of the road. Following the death of Thabang, they are now in a tug of war over Kgomotso. Will they ever find their way back to each other or is their relationship doomed? DStv audiences can tune in to Scandal on e.tv Africa from Mondays – Thursdays at 19:30 CAT.

Rhythm City: From love triangles to two-edged swords and death traps, this month’s Rhythm City instalments are jam-packed full of drama, suspense and shocking revelations. With swords sharpened and guns polished, the Vilakazis press on with their strategy to kill Franco Genaro (played by Jamie Bartlett). But this becomes increasingly compromised as Suzuki stalks Miles to ask for more money to carry out the plan. Miles finds himself cornered and ends up embezzling funds out of Hustle Records, with startling consequences that will have him consider suicide. On the other hand, Lucilla jumps into bed with the devil, Tshinawa, so that he can help Miles swim out of his pool of troubles. Will Genaro’s knowledge of this deception rattle the Vilakazis further? Watch Rhythm City on e.tv Africa on DStv, weekdays at 18.30 CAT.

Breaking The Magician’s Code: Follow the intriguing Masked Magician as he dares to break the magician’s code: the code that binds magicians to never reveal how they perform their illusions. The Masked Magician defies fellow magicians and reveals the secrets behind tricks that have captivated audiences for centuries. You can’t afford to blink with Breaking The Magician’s Code on e. Saturday at 18.05 CAT.

My Name is Earl: Everyone’s favourite hillbilly with a Karma-cleansing quest is on e.Africa every Sunday in the popular sitcom, My Name is Earl. The loveable Earl (Jason Lee) is determined to correct his past mistakes. Joining him along his quest to cleanse his karma are a few dim-witted friends: hapless brother Randy (Ethan Suplee) and the very sexy Catalina (Nadine Velazquez). Even Darnell (Eddie Steeples), the owner of the Crab Shack where Earl drinks beer, offers his support. But it’s Earl’s ex-wife Joy (Jamie Pressly) who won’t lift a finger to help unless there’s something in it for her. Despite his seemingly limited intelligence, Earl is oddly effective – and the comedy series, like Earl himself, has a voice and style all its own. Tune in on Sundays at 19:30 CAT.

Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola II: March brings with it a brand-spanking-new season of the satirical show, Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola and will continue to reduce audiences to tears of laughter. Late Nite News anchor Loyiso Gola is known for his no-holds-barred comedy and this new season won’t be any different. Tune in to Late Nite News with Loyisa Gola on e.tv Africa on DStv on Wednesdays at 21.30 CAT.

BBC LIFESTYLE (DStv Channel 180)

10 Years Younger USA PREMIERE (Series 4): This US version of the hit show 10 Years Younger aims to turn back the clock for people who are looking a little worse for the passage of time. The causes of premature aging are varied and many, but the 10 Years Younger USA team of specialists, including fashion stylist Jorge Ramon, make-up artist Damone Roberts, and hairstylists Gina Derry and April Barton, are on hand to help out. They are backed up by a team of doctors and dentists who assist with strictly non-surgical procedures to complete the new look. Each person featured on the show is placed in the ‘big box’, which is situated on the busy streets of either New York or Los Angeles, to find out their perceived age from members of the public. The team then have ten days to take them from fuddy-duddy to fabulous before sending them back into the ‘big box’ to see how much their perceived age has dropped. Prepare to be amazed. From Wednesday 23 March at 21:45 CAT, series continues on BBC LifeStyle on DStv every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:20 and 21:45 CAT.

STYLE (DStv channel 183)

Fashion Police (Continuing Series): Joan Rivers brings her notorious and no-holds-barred celebrity fashion and pop culture commentary to E! viewers. From hot new trends to red carpet risks, Joan will take viewers through a complete recap of the week’s celebrity fashion and ultimately decide who sizzled – and who fizzled. Catch Joan Rivers and her fashion team, including Brit Kelly Osbourne and E!’s Giuliana Rancic, dissect the week’s celebrities, events, and of course, style, all showcasing Joan’s uniquely hilarious point of view. Tune in for Fashion Police on Style on DStv on Sundays at 20:00 CAT.

FOOD NETWORK (DStv Channel 185)

Food Network Challenge (Series 9): Food Network Challenge is back with a new season of even tougher challenges for top chefs. Each evening from 14 – 20 March, watch the best in cookery showdowns as small-town cooks to world renowned cooks do battle. In the first episode, four of the best food stylists in the business come to Challenge to prove who has the skills to take home prize and title. The competition takes place over three rounds: breakfast, mystery lunch box, and romantic dinner for two. They don’t need to make the food taste good; they need to make it look irresistible. The competitors whose presentations garner the best photographs will take home ten thousand dollars and the all important coveted gold medal. Later in the series, two teams of pastry chefs face off to build giant gingerbread houses. Not only do they have to make sure the six foot tall creations stand tall in just eight hours, the teams have to decorate the houses in the fairytale spirit. With reputations and cash prizes at stake it’s always heated in the Food Network Challenge kitchen. Let battle commence! Tune in to the Food Network Challenge on the Food Network on DStv from Monday 14 March at 18:30 CAT.

ESPN (DStv channel 230)

March has more live coverage of world-class basketball from the National Basketball Association (NBA) on ESPN, opening at full speed with the Boston Celtics hosting past league MVP Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics’ All-Star lineup boasts not only the trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, but also rising star Rajon Rondo and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Next up on the 5th is a doubleheader spotlighting some favourites for this year’s title as Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic host the Chicago Bulls, followed by a ‘Best of the West’ meets a ‘Beast of the East’ as the San Antonio Spurs take on the Miami Heat.

The Heat nabbed all the preseason headlines with the debut of their electric threesome of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but they’ll have to play sharp all season to stay ahead of the hot Celtics and Magic – not to mention the impressive Bulls and Atlanta Hawks – in the East. In the West, the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers have some serious obstacles in their path back to the NBA Finals, among them the Spurs, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks – in action against the New Orleans Hornets on the 10th – and the Oklahoma City Thunder, home to last season’s scoring leader, Kevin Durant.

ESPN’s coverage of the NBA airs live all season. Games feature a same day re-air in the afternoon/evening.

Schedule: CAT LIVE coverage – Host team shown first
Mar 3 02:30 Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns
Mar 3 19:30 Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns (R)
Mar 5 02:00 Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls
Mar 5 13:00 Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls (R)
Mar 5 04:30 San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
Mar 5 15:00 San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat (R)
Mar 10 03:00 Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets
Mar 10 19:30 Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets (R)
Mar 12 03:00 Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks
Mar 12 13:00 Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks (R)
Mar 17 02:00 Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Mar 17 21:00 Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (R)
Mar 19 01:30 Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat
Mar 19 13:00 Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat (R)
Mar 24 02:00 New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
Mar 24 19:30 New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic (R)
Mar 26 01:30 Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Mar 26 13:00 Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers (R)
Mar 31 01:00 Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic
Mar 31 19:30 Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic (R)
(R) Re-air

BBC KNOWLEDGE (DStv channel 251)

Richard Hammond’s Invisible Words (3 episodes): Just beyond the perception of our naked eyes lies an invisible world of secret forces that touches every aspect of life on Earth and shapes it in unseen ways. Now, for the first time, this hidden world is revealed. The human eye is a remarkable piece of precision engineering, but all around us is an astonishing and beautiful world we cannot see. Some wonders are outside the visible spectrum, others are too fast, too slow, too small or too remote for our eyes and brains to interpret. From lightning sprites and shockwaves to heater bees and the crystalline structure of a spider’s web, Invisible Worlds uses cutting-edge camera technology – some specially adapted for this series – to reveal the full glory of these secret forces and hidden powers. Combining bold ideas with lucid scientific insights and stunning footage, Invisible Worlds is packed with surprising facts as well as phenomena never seen before on TV. See the deadly discharge leaking from high-voltage power lines as repairmen risk their lives to fix it, the intense heat and energy of a forest fire, the hidden patterns and colours of a flower garden as an insect sees them, how German scientists have unlocked the secrets of animal movement, and a black hole at the centre of our universe. Richard Hammond’s Invisible Words continues on BBC Knowledge on DStv, every Wednesday at 22:30 CAT.

CRIME AND INVESTIGATION NETWORK (DStv channel 255)

Crime 360: Viewers go inside investigations as theories and evidence are brought to life through state-of-the-art 3D photography. We’ll follow each case from start to finish; experiencing the crime scene in three dimensions and the evidence at the microscopic level. DStv audiences can tune in on Wednesday 16 March at 20:30 CAT.

The First 48: In medicine, they call it the ‘critical hour’, in criminal investigations; they call it the first 48 hours. If detectives don’t have a lead, a suspect or an arrest within 48 hours, their chances of solving the case are cut in half. The new series continues to follow homicide detectives during these initial critical hours as they race against time to solve their cases. New Episodes – Tuesdays at 20:30 CAT.

ANIMAL PLANET (DStv channel 264)

Swarm Chasers: Surprisingly some of the most terrifying and awe-inspiring events in the natural world do not involve animals with jaws and claws. Swarm Chasers explores a phenomenon that can turn even the most innocuous creatures into killers – the instinct to swarm. In this action-packed series, hosts Steve and Greg head into the eye of the greatest animal plagues on the planet to experience their devastating power and discover what it takes to transform organisms into ferocious and deadly mobs. First up, Steve and Greg meet leading scientists and tacticians in the military-style war on locusts, then head to the blowtorch heat of the Australian outback, swarm-chasing a well-known pest that has terrorised humanity since the dawn of civilisation. Next, rodent expert Dr Steven Belmain is on an expedition to a dangerous region of Bangladesh to try and unravel a bizarre mystery that has plagued locals for generations – a swarm of black rats. Tune in to Swarm Chasers on Animal Planet on DStv from Wednesday 16 March at 22:00 CAT.

DISNEY CHANNEL (DStv channel 303)

Snow Buddies: Get ready for nonstop adventure with the premiere of the heart-warming movie, Snow Buddies on Disney Channel on Saturday 19 March at 09:00 CAT. The five adorable talking puppies venture to the frosty arctic for a thrilling dogsled race across Alaska. Join the Buddies – the big fella Budderball, rappin‟ B-Dawg, courageous RoseBud, mellow Buddha, dirty dog MudBud, and their new Alaskan friend, Shasta – for fun, action and excitement in a wonderful family film about the power of teamwork and following your dreams. Don’t miss the lovable Snow Buddies on Saturday 19 March at 09:00 CAT, the movie will be rescreened the same day at 19:10 CAT. There will also be a chance to see the film on Friday 25 March at 18:45 CAT.

CBEEBIES (DStv channel 306)

Buzz & Tell: Perfect for preschoolers, Buzz & Tell is a fun and entertaining question and answer show which sees a team of puppet contestants battle it out to win points, overseen by a walrus quiz master. Walter Flipstick is the highly professional but often exasperated puppet walrus TV presenter in this quick fire comedy quiz. He’s joined by various panels of puppet contestants that include, among others: Charles Cheese, a diminutive and highly excitable cheese-loving mouse, Mr Biscuits, an earnest but jovial cuddly toy of unknown origin who is obsessed with biscuits, Henrietta Peck, a motherly and worldly wise hen who often lays an egg when struggling to answer a question, and Orange Bernard, a jolly but irredeemably dim orang-utan. The quiz consists of a number of rounds such as guess the missing word, a picture round, guess the sound, a numbers round and a general knowledge round. Questions are designed to be simple with straightforward one word answers. However, Walter’s contestants are not the brightest. While the puppets shout out lots of silly responses, children at home will enjoy shouting out the correct answer. Buzz & Tell is a fast and funny take on a well known format which is totally new to the preschool audience. Its combination of loveable and harmlessly silly characters, vibrant backgrounds, crazy sound effects and unique interactivity make for a frantic five minutes which children will come back to day after day. Series continues every day in March at 08:10 and 14:35 CAT.

CHANNEL O (DStv channel 320)

O-Xpress: The O-Xpress brings you the hottest, freshest tracks and the biggest names the industry has to offer from the likes of R. Kelly, P Square, Jigga, Mary J. Blige, T-Pain, Ikechukwu, Chris Brown, Beyonce, Naeto C and many more. Make sure you catch the O-Xpress, exclusive to Channel O. Tune in on Thursday 31 March.

Also this month, tune in for Featuring Banky W. This specialized Xpress features gifted songwriter, producer and vocalist, Banky W. An artist who has been able to connect with his fans on a personal level, he has created a large following worldwide. Born Olubankole Wellington in the United States, he grew up in Lagos and is regarded as one of the biggest Nigerian artists to date. Screening on Friday 18 March (21:00 CAT in East, West and Central Africa) and on Friday 25 March (20:30 CAT in Southern Africa).

CNN (DStv channel 401)

Earth’s Frontiers: This month, Earth’s Frontiers travels to Uganda to find out how genetic modification can prevent the global food crisis. As the fourth largest crop in the world, Uganda produces 10 million tonnes of bananas annually, second only to India. In an attempt to help to stem Africa’s growing food crisis, Earth’s Frontiers investigates the first trial of its kind in Africa as scientists adopt plans to inject banana plants with a protein to make them resistant to deadly bacterial diseases. However, local opposition could jeopardise the project. The programme finds out whether genetically modified crops will ever be embraced by African society. Wednesday 23 March at 09:30 and 19:30 CAT; Saturday 26 March at 09:30, 14:00 and 20:30 CAT; Sunday 27 March at 07:30 and 19:30 CAT; Monday 28 March at 05:30 CAT.
Duration: 30 minutes

CNN Marketplace Africa: This week on CNN Marketplace Africa, David McKenzie meets women in Kenya who have formed Chamas – investment collectives. The boardroom is like any other high-powered boardroom in Nairobi: sales pitches; big property deals; power investments. But there is one key difference: no men. This is Unathi investments, a group of Kenyan women who have banded together to form a Chama, or investment collective. When it comes to investment, they are leaving the men behind. Chamas started as revolving funds, now, these groups are putting together deals in the millions. One Chama is even listed on the stock exchange, and around nine million Kenyans belong to Chamas. David meets the women of Unathi investments and finds out just how powerful Chamas have become. Friday 25 March at 21:45 CAT; Saturday 26 March at 03:45 and 08:15 CAT; Sunday 27 March at 09:15 CAT.

Please note that programming, dates and times are subject to change. In addition, please note that different channels are available in different DStv bouquets and in different countries.

Moroccan filmmaker wins the Golden Stallion of Yennenga at 22nd FESPACO

Pegase Trailer from jumpcut on Vimeo.

22 FESPACO

“Pegase” by Mohamed Mouftakir from Morocco late Saturday won the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, the grand prize of the Pan African Film Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in Burkina Faso.

President Blaise Compaore gave out the awards at the closing ceremony of the 22nd FESPACO witnessed by over 22,000 people, including the participants and invited dignitaries at the Stade du 4-Août Stadium in Ouagadougou.

Pegase poster
Pegase winner
“The prize is a pride, it’s recognition. It’s encouraging,” said Mouftakir.

“Pegase” is a nightmarish tale of the rape of young Rihanna and incest by her father who believes she is demon-possessed.

The following are the other prizes and winners.

The runner-up Silver Stallion
“Un homme qui crie” (“A Screaming Man”) by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun. “A Screaming Man” won the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Bronze Stallion
“Le mec ideal” (“The ideal guy”) by Ivory Coast’s Owell Brown.

The Jury Prize
“Notre etrangere” (“The Place in Between”), by Sarah Bouyain.

The Best Actor Award
Sylvestre Amoussou of Benin,
He also directed “Un pas en avant, les dessous de la corruption”, a film that takes a look at the misappropriation of international aid.

The Best Actress Award
Samia Meziane in “Voyage a Alger” (“Journey to Algiers”) by Algerian Abdelkrim Bahloul.

The African Diaspora Prize
“Les amours d’un zombie” (“The Loves of a Zombie”) by Arnold Antonin from earthquake-scarred Haiti.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Nigeria and other countries for International Family Film Festival in Hollywood

Nigeria and other countries are going to participate in the 16th edition of the International Family Film Festival taking place at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood from March 16-20, 2011. The details are in the following press release from the organizers.

IFFF Poster

28 Feb 2011 15:00 Africa/Lagos

International Family Film Festival Set for Raleigh Studios on March 16-20
16th edition to feature Screenings, Panels & Awards
Opening Press Conference at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16

PR Newswire

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 28, 2011

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — It’s the film festival with a global reach and a family heart.

The 16th International Family Film Festival – unspooling over 85 family-friendly films from around the world – is set for March 16-20 at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. This year’s festival includes 33 feature-length films, opening with Cafe, a Philadelphia-based drama with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Amish Grace, a biographical drama with Kimberly Williams (We Are Marshall), plus high-profile shorts such as Chapman University’s Without Wings, starring Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit).

A large Chinese film delegation will be on hand to support local entries, and Chinese actress Ruoming Huar of the Mongolian-language film Horizon, is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 19. Other filmmakers are traveling to the festival to support film projects from as far as Australia, Syria, Nigeria and Alaska. A half-dozen student filmmakers from Sydney will be on hand to cheer on Almost 100, a short about life-threatening teenage challenges. Another entry, a feature-length survival drama entitled 48 Below! – employed many residents of Sterling, Alaska, to assist in its production, and a local contingent will travel to the fest.

Last year’s IFFF drew 5,000-plus film fans and industry professionals. The festival market generally produces several film-distribution deals, and many screenplays from its screenwriting readings have secured option deals following the Screenwriter’s Showcase being held this year on Sunday, March 20th. A film produced from a 2010 IFFF screenplay winner, First Dog, has been accepted into the film competition this year.

The festival wraps Sunday, March 20th with a full awards ceremony that is both uplifting and entertaining. Annually IFFF recognizes outstanding achievement in multiple feature and short-film categories, acting and screenwriting. The fest also screens the finalists of the “Movies With A Message” contest (www.messagemovies.org) sponsored by Happy House – Good Choices, a non-profit that encourages youth to make inspirational movies with their families.

TICKETS:

$250 all-festival pass (includes all films and panels)

$40 all-day pass (includes all films)

$25 opening-night film and reception

$15 individual panels

$10 film tickets, $8 for IFFF members or group rate of 10 or more

For schedule and tickets visit www.iffilmfest.org or call 818-230-2572 or 661-257-3131.

SOURCE International Family Film Festival

CONTACT: Carl DiOrio, IFFF publicist, +1-310-415-9003, carldiorio@gmail.com

Web Site: http://www.iffilmfest.org

The 83rd Academy Awards Winners List

Natalie+Portman+83rd+Annual+Academy+Awards
In This Photo: Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges
Actress Natalie Portman (R), winner of the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for ‘Black Swan’, and presenter Jeff Bridges pose in the press room during the 83rd Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on February 27, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
(http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/Xut-lxVNNAW/83rd+Annual+Academy+Awards+Press+Room/jFEgqCSWtm6/Natalie+PortmanCredit: Zimbio: – Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America)

Oscar Statuettes

Actor in a Leading Role

  • Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”

Actor in a Supporting Role

  • Christian Bale in “The Fighter”

Actress in a Leading Role

  • Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”

Actress in a Supporting Role

  • Melissa Leo in “The Fighter

Animated Feature Film

  • “Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich

Art Direction

  • “Alice in Wonderland”
    Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara

Cinematography

  • “Inception” Wally Pfister

Costume Design

  • “Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood

Directing

  • “The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper

Documentary (Feature)

  • “Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs

Documentary (Short Subject)

  • “Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon

Film Editing

  • “The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

Foreign Language Film

  • “In a Better World” Denmark

Makeup

  • “The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

Music (Original Score)

  • “The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Music (Original Song)

  • “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3″ Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Best Picture

  • “The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers

Short Film (Animated)

  • “The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann

Short Film (Live Action)

  • “God of Love” Luke Matheny

Sound Editing

  • “Inception” Richard King

Sound Mixing

  • “Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick

Visual Effects

  • “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

  • “The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin

Writing (Original Screenplay)

  • “The King’s Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler

Discuss here:

~ By Roy

Nigerian filmmaker competes for the Golden Stallion of Yennenga at 2011 FESPACO

Restless City 2
A scene from “Restless City”.

Nigerian filmmaker competes for the Golden Stallion of Yennenga at 2011 FESPACO

New York based Nigerian filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu’s Restless City is among the 18 films competing for the Golden Stallion of Yennenga, the most coveted prize at the 22nd Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) in the melodramatic Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso from February 26 – March 5, 2011. The golden “Étalon de Yennenga” (Stallion of Yennenga) symbolizes the legendary founder of the 11th century Mossi empire of Burkina Faso and is awarded to the best feature film.

FESCO LOGO

Golden Stallion

The winner in 2009 was the Ethiopia born director Haile Gerima for his movie “Teza”. Newton I Aduaka of Nigeria won it in 2007 with his “Ezra”, a riveting film on blood diamonds and child soldiers in Sierra Leone.

Other special awards include the Oumarou Ganda Prize, given for the best first film, and the Paul Robeson Prize for the best film by a director of the African diaspora.

“Restless City” is Andrew Dosunmu’s first feature film. It tells the story of an African immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle and falling in love is his greatest risk.
Djibril, an aspiring young musician from Senegal, lives in New York. Although he dreams of greatness, imagining the day his own child might be president of the United States, his path is unstructured, and he glories in the chaos of the street. When Djibril meets Trini, a prostitute under the control of Bekay, the local loan shark, his life assumes new purpose and momentum; however, whether Djibril and Trini can outrun Bekay’s nefarious influence is another story.

Restless City by Andrew Dosunmu

The other Nigerian filmmakers at the biennial pan-African event are Mak Kusare with “Champions of our time” Kunle Afolayan with “The Figurine” in the 24 entries for the TV and video films category, Didi Cheeka, a founding Director of AlternativCinema with “Bloodstones” and Julius Morno with “The Camera” in the short film category.

Another major news is the premiere of “Ouaga Paradiso,” a 52-minute documentary on African cinema.

There are 111 films in competition – including 18 feature films, 13 short films, 22 documentaries, 37 TV and video productions, 10 films from the African diasporas and 11 student films.

Michel Ouedraogo the director of FESPACO lamented the scourge of pirates who are the worst enemies of the African film industry. He said film piracy is a “cultural AIDS” that is “slowly killing our cinema industry”. He noted that piracy is the problem delaying “considering a stronger partnership with the first film industry in Africa, Nollywood.”

“Burkina Faso has contributed to the event through a 500,000 FCFA investment, completed with security, location, logistic, ceremony and staff availability during the event. In overall, the Burkina Faso government provides 65-70% of the festival organisation.” said Michel Ouédraogo.

Iranian Drama wins the Golden Bear at 61st berlinale

The accomplished Iranian screenwriter and film director Asghar Farhadi’s captivating drama Nader and Simin: A Separation won the Golden Bear for the Best Film at the 61st Berlin Film Festival and was elated to receive his coveted prize at the closing ceremony on Saturday February 19, 2011. This must really be fulfilling for him after winning the Silver Bear for Best Director for his film About Elly in 2009. This is the first time an Iranian film has won the Golden Bear.

Asghar Farhadi
Asghar Farhadi lifting up his Golden Bear at the 61st Berlinale.

The male and female actors of “Nader and Simin, A Separation” were honored each with a Silver Bear for their performance.

A_Separation

The film is about a middle-class couple Nader and Simin married for fifteen years and live with their eleven-year-old daughter Termeh in Tehran. The family belong to the urban upper middle-class and the couple are on the verge of separation. Simin wants to leave the country with her husband and daughter, as she does not want Termeh to grow up under the prevailing conditions. Her desire is not shared by the stubborn Nader. He has concerns for his father, who lives with the family and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. When Nader decides to stay in Iran, Simin files for a divorce.

Bela Tarr took home the Jury Grand Prix of the Silver Bear for being the runner-up for his film “The Turin Horse”.

The other winners emerged in the following order:

Silver Bear – Best Director
Ulrich Köhler
for Schlafkrankheit (Sleeping Sickness)

Silver Bear – Best Actress
to the actress-ensemble in
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
by Asghar Farhadi

Silver Bear – Best Actor
to the actor-ensemble in
Jodaeiye Nader az Simin (Nader And Simin, A Separation)
by Asghar Farhadi

Silver Bear – Outstanding Artistic Achievement
Wojciech Staron for the camera in
El premio (The Prize)
by Paula Markovitch

ex aequo

Barbara Enriquez for the production design in
El premio (The Prize)
by Paula Markovitch

Silver Bear – Best Script
Joshua Marston and Andamion Murataj for
The Forgiveness Of Blood (The Forgiveness Of Blood)
by Joshua Marston

Alfred Bauer Prize
Awarded in memory of the Festival founder, for a work of particular innovation.

Wer wenn nicht wir (If Not Us, Who)
by Andres Veiel

Click here for more details.

~ By Hope O. Opara

The 2011 BAFTAs, the full report

Leading Actor Colin Firth

Colin Firth won the BAFTA for his performance as King George VI in The King’s Speech. (Pic: BAFTA/ Richard Kendal)

The King’s Speech wins seven BAFTAs including Best Film, Leading Actor for Colin Firth, Supporting Actor for Geoffrey Rush and Supporting Actress for Helena Bonham Carter.

Natalie Portman wins Leading Actress

The Social Network and Inception win three BAFTAs each

Alice in Wonderland takes home two awards

The King’s Speech was named Best Film at tonight’s Orange British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Opera House. The film also won six other awards: Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay and Original Music, as well as a trio of performance awards for Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and Colin Firth, who wins the Leading Actor BAFTA for the second year running.

Natalie Portman was awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actress for her performance as Nina Sayers in Black Swan.

David Fincher won the Director award for The Social Network and Aaron Sorkin took home the BAFTA for Adapted Screenplay. The film also won the Editing award.

Inception won the Production Design, Sound and Special Visual Effects BAFTAs.
Director Chris Morris received the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for his first feature film Four Lions.

Alice in Wonderland won the BAFTAs for Costume Design and Make Up & Hair. Toy Story 3 took home the award for Animated Film. True Grit won for Cinematography. The Film Not in the English Language BAFTA went to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

The Eagleman Stag won the Short Animation award and the Short Film award was presented to Until the River Runs Red.

The Orange Wednesdays Rising Star Award was presented to Tom Hardy, star of Inception and Bronson. This award, the only one voted for by the public, recognises an international actor or actress who has demonstrated exceptional talent and has begun to be recognised as a film star in the making. The award is now in its sixth year and was created in honour of Mary Selway, the highly respected casting director who passed away in 2004.

The highest accolade which the Academy can bestow, the Fellowship, was presented to Christopher Lee. The award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema was received by JK Rowling and David Heyman on behalf of The Harry Potter Films.

For further information, please contact:
Jo Fernihough at Freud Communications
T: 020 3003 6386 / johanna.fernihough@freud.com

THE FOLLOWING IS THE COMPLETE REPORT:

2010 NOMINATIONS AND WINNERS
(presented in 2011)

ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTOPHER LEE

OUTSTANDING BRITISH CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA
THE HARRY POTTER FILMS

BEST FILM
BLACK SWAN Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin
INCEPTION Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan
THE KING’S SPEECH Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
THE SOCIAL NETWORK Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca, Céan Chaffin
TRUE GRIT Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
127 HOURS Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy, Christian Colson, John Smithson
ANOTHER YEAR Mike Leigh, Georgina Lowe
FOUR LIONS Chris Morris, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain, Mark Herbert, Derrin Schlesinger
THE KING’S SPEECH Tom Hooper, David Seidler, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
MADE IN DAGENHAM Nigel Cole, William Ivory, Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley

OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER
THE ARBOR Clio Barnard (Director), Tracy O’Riordan (Producer)
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP Banksy (Director), Jaimie D’Cruz (Producer)
FOUR LIONS Chris Morris (Director/Writer)
MONSTERS Gareth Edwards (Director/Writer)
SKELETONS Nick Whitfield (Director/Writer)

DIRECTOR
127 HOURS Danny Boyle
BLACK SWAN Darren Aronofsky
INCEPTION Christopher Nolan
THE KING’S SPEECH Tom Hooper
THE SOCIAL NETWORK David Fincher

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
BLACK SWAN Mark Heyman, Andrés Heinz, John McLaughlin
THE FIGHTER Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
INCEPTION Christopher Nolan
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg
THE KING’S SPEECH David Seidler

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 HOURS Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Rasmus Heisterberg, Nikolaj Arcel
THE SOCIAL NETWORK Aaron Sorkin
TOY STORY 3 Michael Arndt
TRUE GRIT Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
BIUTIFUL Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jon Kilik, Fernando Bovaira
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Søren Stærmose, Niels Arden Oplev
I AM LOVE Luca Guadagnino, Francesco Melzi D’Eril, Marco Morabito, Massimiliano Violante
OF GODS AND MEN Xavier Beauvois, Pascal Caucheteux, Etienne Comar
THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES Mariela Besuievsky, Juan José Campanella

ANIMATED FILM
DESPICABLE ME Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
TOY STORY 3 Lee Unkrich

LEADING ACTOR
JAVIER BARDEM Biutiful
JEFF BRIDGES True Grit
JESSE EISENBERG The Social Network
COLIN FIRTH The King’s Speech
JAMES FRANCO 127 Hours

LEADING ACTRESS
ANNETTE BENING The Kids Are All Right
JULIANNE MOORE The Kids Are All Right
NATALIE PORTMAN Black Swan
NOOMI RAPACE The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
HAILEE STEINFELD True Grit

SUPPORTING ACTOR
CHRISTIAN BALE The Fighter
ANDREW GARFIELD The Social Network
PETE POSTLETHWAITE The Town
MARK RUFFALO The Kids Are All Right
GEOFFREY RUSH The King’s Speech

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
AMY ADAMS The Fighter
HELENA BONHAM CARTER The King’s Speech
BARBARA HERSHEY Black Swan
LESLEY MANVILLE Another Year
MIRANDA RICHARDSON Made in Dagenham

ORIGINAL MUSIC
127 HOURS AR Rahman
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Danny Elfman
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON John Powell
INCEPTION Hans Zimmer
THE KING’S SPEECH Alexandre Desplat

CINEMATOGRAPHY
127 HOURS Anthony Dod Mantle, Enrique Chediak
BLACK SWAN Matthew Libatique
INCEPTION Wally Pfister
THE KING’S SPEECH Danny Cohen
TRUE GRIT Roger Deakins

EDITING
127 HOURS Jon Harris
BLACK SWAN Andrew Weisblum
INCEPTION Lee Smith
THE KING’S SPEECH Tariq Anwar
THE SOCIAL NETWORK Angus Wall, Kirk Baxter

PRODUCTION DESIGN
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Robert Stromberg, Karen O’Hara
BLACK SWAN Thérèse DePrez, Tora Peterson
INCEPTION Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias, Doug Mowat
THE KING’S SPEECH Eve Stewart, Judy Farr
TRUE GRIT Jess Gonchor, Nancy Haigh

COSTUME DESIGN
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Colleen Atwood
BLACK SWAN Amy Westcott
THE KING’S SPEECH Jenny Beavan
MADE IN DAGENHAM Louise Stjernsward
TRUE GRIT Mary Zophres

SOUND
127 HOURS Glenn Freemantle, Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Steven C Laneri, Douglas Cameron
BLACK SWAN Ken Ishii, Craig Henighan, Dominick Tavella
INCEPTION Richard King, Lora Hirschberg, Gary A Rizzo, Ed Novick
THE KING’S SPEECH John Midgley, Lee Walpole, Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen
TRUE GRIT Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff, Peter F Kurland, Douglas Axtell

SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Sean Phillips, Carey Villegas
BLACK SWAN Dan Schrecker, Henrik Fett, Michael Capton, William ‘Brad’ Kalinoski
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 Tim Burke, John Richardson, Nicolas Aithadi, Christian Manz
INCEPTION Chris Corbould, Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Peter Bebb
TOY STORY 3 Guido Quaroni, Michael Fong, David Ryu

MAKE UP & HAIR
ALICE IN WONDERLAND Valli O’Reilly, Paul Gooch
BLACK SWAN Judy Chin, Geordie Sheffer
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 Amanda Knight, Lisa Tomblin, Nick Dudman
THE KING’S SPEECH Frances Hannon
MADE IN DAGENHAM Lizzie Yianni Georgiou

SHORT ANIMATION
THE EAGLEMAN STAG Michael Please
MATTER FISHER David Prosser
THURSDAY Matthias Hoegg

SHORT FILM
CONNECT Samuel Abrahams, Beau Gordon
LIN Piers Thompson, Simon Hessel
RITE Michael Pearce, Ross McKenzie, Paul Welsh
TURNING Karni Arieli, Saul Freed, Alison Sterling, Kat Armour-Brown
UNTIL THE RIVER RUNS RED Paul Wright, Poss Kondeatis

THE ORANGE WEDNESDAYS RISING STAR AWARD (voted for by the public)
GEMMA ARTERTON
ANDREW GARFIELD
TOM HARDY
AARON JOHNSON
EMMA STON

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE PHOTOGRAPHS OF ALL THE WINNERS

Mick Jagger to Perform Live on the GRAMMY Awards® for the First Time

8 Feb 2011 13:00 Africa/Lagos

Mick Jagger to Perform Live on the GRAMMY Awards® for the First Time

53rd Grammy Awards

GRAMMY Award®-Winning Rock Legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient — Accompanied by GRAMMY® Winner Raphael Saadiq and His Band — Will Perform as Part of the Telecast’s Annual “In Memoriam” Tribute

Music’s Biggest Night® Airs Live Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, 8 P.M. ET/PT, Only on CBS

PR Newswire

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 3, 2011

Mick_Jagger4
Mick Jagger

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — GRAMMY Award®-winning rock legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mick Jagger will perform live on the GRAMMY Awards for the first time. Accompanied by GRAMMY® winner Raphael Saadiq and his band, Jagger will perform as part of the telecast’s annual “In Memoriam” tribute, which pays homage to members of the music community who have passed away in the previous year. Jagger and Saadiq join previously announced performers and nominees Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert , Muse, and Katy Perry ; nominees Justin Bieber and Usher, with Jaden Smith ; nominees B.o.B, Bruno Mars , and Janelle Monae ; nominees Drake and Rihanna; and nominee Cee Lo Green , with Gwyneth Paltrow and the Jim Henson Company Puppets. Current three-time GRAMMY nominee Dierks Bentley , nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Norah Jones , singer/actor Selena Gomez , two-time GRAMMY winner and actor LL COOL J, current nominee Nicki Minaj, and current nominee Blake Shelton will appear as presenters. The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards (www.grammy.com) will take place live on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 , at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Westwood One, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys . Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®’s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys , www.facebook.com/thegrammys .

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110104/LA23911LOGO)

In his first-ever live appearance on the GRAMMY stage, Jagger — accompanied by soul singer Saadiq and his band — will honor one of his longtime idols, recently deceased GRAMMY winner Solomon Burke. Jagger has appeared only once before on the GRAMMY telecast (with the Rolling Stones), via satellite from London during the 28th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1986, when Eric Clapton presented the Stones with The Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award.

Arcade Fire, Bieber, B.o.B, Lambert, Mars, Monae, Muse, Paltrow, and Smith will also be performing on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, and all five Album Of The Year nominees are set to perform on Music’s Biggest Night®: Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, and Perry.

The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich and John Cossette are executive producers, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com . For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys , a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys , and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys .

SOURCE The Recording Academy

CONTACT: Barb Dehgan of The Recording Academy, +1-310-392-3777; or Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, +1-818-655-1587, or Kate Fisher, +1-212-975-3818, both of CBS Television; or Maureen O’Connor of Rogers & Cowan, +1-310-854-8116

Web Site: http://www.grammy.com

Rentrak Top 10 Movies of 2010

TheBlindSide

Rentrak Top 10 Movies of 2010

The top 10 movies are Rentrak’s Total Screen Measurement Currency Ranking of the Most-Watched On-Demand Titles, the Most-Engaged Network and Cable Programming, Top Selling and Renting DVDs and the Top-Grossing Box Office Movies–


1. The Blind Side
2. Couples Retreat
3. The Twilight Saga
4. Hot Tub Time Machine
5. Grown Ups
6. Date Night
7. It’s Complicated
8. The Book of Eli
9. Shutter Island
10. The Hurt Locker

More details.