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Disney’s Oscar Nods and my Predictions

For the second year in a row Disney’s slate of Oscar nominated films is dominated by pictures from a studio other that Walt Disney. Yep, outside of animation and special effects, Disney is now relying on Dreamworks to bring it any honors. That could be a problem as the rumor is Dreamworks wants to take its marbles and go home after perceived ineptitude in Disney Studios marketing efforts.

Anyway, the list isn’t a shock:

Best Picture – Lincoln – Producers Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy
Lead Actor – Lincoln – Daniel Day-Lewis
Supporting Actress – Lincoln – Sally Field
Supporting Actor – Lincoln – Tommy Lee Jones
Directing – Lincoln – Steven Spielberg
Adapted Screenplay – Lincoln – Tony Kushner
Music (Original Score) – Lincoln – John Williams
Cinematography – Lincoln – Janusz Kaminski
Costume Design – Lincoln – Joanna Johnston
Film Editing – Lincoln – Michael Kahn
Production Design – Lincoln – Rick Carter, Jim Erickson
Sound Mixing – Lincoln – Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins
Animated Feature Film – Brave – Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Animated Feature Film – Frankenweenie – Tim Burton
Animated Feature Film – Wreck-It Ralph – Rich Moore
Animated Short Film – Paperman – John Kahrs
Visual Effects – Marvel’s The Avengers – Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick

Disney gets the triple whammy in the animated feature film category. Usually that means another film could sneak in if the academy splits its votes, but I don’t see that happening this year. Frankenweenie may not have been loved by the public, but the awards voters are enthralled. Paperman is up against some stiff competition, but I think it has a good chance too.

I fully expect Lincoln to clean up at the Academy Awards this year. With its message that fits in perfectly to today’s politics and a lineup of actors whom Hollywood has already shown their love, I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t garner 9 or 10 statues by the end of the night.

The Oscars are once again on ABC on Feb 24th and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane, who is known for his raunchy and off-color brand of humor. I love him, but I’m worried about how he’ll go over with the television audience.

Below the cut are some of the TV spots featuring MacFarlane promoting the show:

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom

ABC Developing Show Based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Roller Coaster

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion are two attractions that have already been made into movies and there are other ideas in various stages of conception for the Walt Disney Studios including a movie based on the Magic Kingdom park concept itself. We can now add a TV show to that list as ABC has ordered a script for a show based on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster attraction.

Set in a mining town in the American southwest, the backstory for the ride involves gold mining and a curse by Native Americans that brings disaster on those who try to remove it from the ground, usually in the form of an earthquake. Guests on the roller coaster just barely escape. Whether that idea makes it into the script remains to be scene.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland was also the scene of one of the park’s biggest tragedies with an accident that resulted in the death of a guest and the serious injury of others.

The adventure based drama could air as soon as next fall if the pilot gets made and if it gets picked up.

Below the jump, my onride POV video of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster:
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Hanks prepares to head back to the carousel.

Disneyland goes Retro for Saving Mr. Banks

A terrific collection of photos from around Disneyland on November 6th and 7th can be found over on LaughingPlace.com. The park was playing host to a Hollywood movie production for “Saving Mr. Banks” complete with mega stars and set design meant to recapture the early… Read More »Disneyland goes Retro for Saving Mr. Banks

Disney to Acquire Lucasfilm

In a major announcement today, the Walt Disney Company announced it would acquire Lucasfilm. The rumors of this acquisition had been percolating to the surface over the last few days. More details soon, but here’s the press release to get starred. As if that big… Read More »Disney to Acquire Lucasfilm

First Trailer for Lincoln Debuts

Steven Spielberg’s epic movie “Lincoln” focuses on the final few months of the President’s life as he struggles to try and heal a nation turn asunder by civil war. The list of actors who appear in the film is a who’s who of Hollywood: Two-time… Read More »First Trailer for Lincoln Debuts

First Photo of Angelina Jolie as Maleficent as Production Begins on Film

Disney released the following photo of Angelina Jolie as the evil fairy Maleficent in “Maleficent” – the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain. The Walt Disney Studios also announced today that production began Wednesday, June 13th. Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg… Read More »First Photo of Angelina Jolie as Maleficent as Production Begins on Film