MELBOURNE, Thursday, 1st December 2011: The nominees for the inaugural Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) Samsung AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) have been announced, revealing an abundance of nods for THE HUNTER, and a host of other Madman catalogue releases across feature film, documentary and TV categories.
Leading the pack with 14 nominations is Porchlight Films’ THE HUNTER. Based on Julia Leigh’s novel of the same name and directed by Daniel Nettheim, THE HUNTER was released to universal acclaim in October. THE HUNTER’s slate of AACTA nominations span most of the major feature film awards categories, including Best Film, the Members’ Choice Award, Best Lead Actor (Willem Dafoe) and Best Lead Actress (Frances O’Connor).
THE HUNTER continues to screen in selected cinemas nationally, and comes to DVD & Blu-Ray, 8th February, 2012. For a full list of cinema locations, please see the ‘Notes To Editors’ section below.
Amongst the other feature films nominees, SNOWTOWN has also received an impressive 10 nominations across numerous categories. Based on the true story of Australia’s most infamous serial killings, also known as ‘The Bodies In The Barrels’ murders, SNOWTOWN is Justin Kurzel’s directorial debut and the first local production from Warp Films Australia. SNOWTOWN was released to cinemas in May, garnering massive critical acclaim and word of mouth. SNOWTOWN is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital platforms.
Sean Byrne’s debut feature, THE LOVED ONES – a genre picture that tells the story of a particularly harrowing story of unrequited young love – has also received a nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category.
In the documentary field, MRS. CAREY’S CONCERT and SHUT UP LITTLE MAN! AN AUDIO MISADVENTURE have both received a suite of nominations across most feature length documentary categories, whilst MURUNDAK: SONGS OF FREEDOM has also taken out nomination for Best Sound.
And finally, in the television category, the smash hit OFFSPRING SEASON 2 has received a nomination for Best Television Drama.
Paul Wiegard, Managing Director, Madman Entertainment said: “We are thrilled the industry has recognised these films and productions, and the abundance of talent behind them. The AACTA awards are a boon for the profile of Australian films and the Australian film industry.”
The winners will be announced at the newly established Samsung AACTA Awards red carpet ceremony, to be held in Sydney and broadcast on the Nine Network on Tuesday, 31st January, 2012.