MADMAN ACQUIRES THE OSCAR®-NOMINATED OMNILAB MEDIA FILM – ‘THE MESSENGER’
MELBOURNE, Tuesday, 9 February 2010: Madman is proud to announce the acquisition of theatrical and home entertainment rights for the Oscar®-nominated film, THE MESSENGER for release in Australia and New Zealand.
Nominated in the ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ and ‘Writing – Original Screenplay’ categories for this year’s Academy Awards, THE MESSENGER stars Ben Foster, Jena Malone and Woody Harrelson (in the role that earned him this year’s nomination for best supporting actor) and follows the challenges of two U.S. Army officers, recently returned from Iraq, as they are tasked with delivering bad news to the families of fallen soldiers.
The film is fast gathering major acclaim in the U.S., where the emotionally raw subject matter and particularly, the powerful performances from all involved, have become a highlight for critics and audiences alike.
The acquisition was made between Madman’s Paul Wiegard and Nick Batzias, and Omnilab Media representatives and Executive Producers on the film, David Whealy and Matthew Street at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
THE MESSENGER is an Omnilab Media Presents production in North America and the Sydney-based media company were involved very early in the film from investment through to production as well as being the joint North American distributor with Oscilloscope.
Omnilab Media’s Christopher Mapp said of the announcement, “The two Oscar ® nominations are truly an extraordinary moment for all involved in this powerful film. The nominations duly reward the efforts and skills not only of Woody Harrelson, Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman but of everyone involved in supporting, creating and distributing the film.”
“This is an exciting time for Omnilab Media and THE MESSENGER with Madman also signing on to distribute the film in Australia and New Zealand. We very much look forward to working alongside Madman on the local release”.
“We are excited to partner with Omnilab Media on THE MESSENGER”, says Paul Wiegard, joint Managing Director of Madman Entertainment. “It’s a remarkable directorial debut, audiences will bond with the characters and we see great potential in the films release.”
The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony will be held in Los Angeles, on Sunday, March 7, 2010.