Yes, we’re awesome. Two nominations. Two potential gold melty-man thingies. One red carpet.
The 2008 Academy Awards, airing live on February 24th on ABC, has put Jamal Joseph, chair of the Columbia film division, and James Schamus, CEO of film distribution company Focus Features, under the spotlight. Joseph has directed and co-founded the IMPACT Repertory Theatre responsible for performing the song, Raise It Up, in the film August Rush, which is nominated for Best Original Song. While Schamus’ distributed film, Atonement, is up for Best Motion Picture. Columbia has already made a fuss about it.
The dean of the SoA, Carol Becker, is getting rather excited about it all:
“I have just returned from Sundance where I saw some fabulous films by Columbia alums and faculty. It is clear to me that at this moment, Columbia is arguably one of the most exciting film schools in the United States.”
Okay, maybe she’s a little too excited. Certainly, the nominations will help bolster Columbia’s credibility as a film school, but let’s take it one step a time.
In any case, make sure you tune in and watch the Oscars–not too sure if you’ll see anyone there though.