Atlanta’s ever-growing movie industry hasn’t yet generated a gigantic mountain of Oscar gold.
Locally made "Prisoners," starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard and Viola Davis, earned a nomination for best cinematography, but somehow "Anchorman 2" was overlooked during this week's announcement of Academy Award nominees.
Still, we have our Oscar ties.
Most notably, Smyrna native Julia Roberts, who is nominated for best supporting actress for her role in "August: Osage County." Jennifer Lawrence, who has been in Atlanta for months filming "Mockingjay," and who was here in 2012 filming "Catching Fire," is up for the same award, for her role in "American Hustle."
Amy Adams, nominated for best actress for her role in "American Hustle," filmed "Trouble With the Curve" in parts of metro Atlanta and beyond. Sandra Bullock, up for the same award for her role in "Gravity," filmed "The Blind Side" here. (Why, yes, that is the movie that won Bullock a best actress Oscar.)
Jonah Hill, up for best supporting actor honors for his role in "The Wolf of Wall Street," filmed "The Watch" here.
"Nebraska," up for best picture, stars Will Forte, who has worked on a number of projects in Atlanta.
"I absolutely loved Atlanta. I can't wait to get back," he said when we interviewed him about the movie that earned his co-stars Bruce Dern a best actor nod and June Squibb a best supporting actress nomination. "I stayed at the Georgian Terrace. Even though I stayed across the street from the Fox, I never got to see a show there."
(So, that’s reason enough right there to return, yes?)
“I don’t know,” he said of what’s next. “This (in ‘Nebraska’) was not part of some orchestrated plan. It just came out of nowhere. I guess I’ll just keep not planning.”
Luncheon highlights women leaders
Leaner-inners, put Feb. 5 on your calendar. The Members Guild of the Atlanta History Center will host an impressive panel of Atlanta women leaders as they discuss the "ABCs" — Ability, Balance, Community and Causes — in the Grand Overlook ballroom. Panelists include interior designer and community volunteer Ruth Anthony; Wendy Kopp, managing director and market executive of US Trust; broadcast media personality and consultant Vikki Locke; nsoro Foundation executive director Cynthia Moreland; Jenny Pruitt, CEO and founder of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty; Home Depot CFO Carol Tomé; and Valery Voyles, president and CEO of Ed Voyles Automotive. Susan Tucker will serve as event chair and moderator. "During my career in morning radio, I've moderated several events like this, and to find myself on the other side as a panelist is as bit daunting," Locke said. "These women are so inspiring to a new business owner like myself. We do all have something in common though: to empower women and give back to the community." A champagne reception starts at 11 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program at 11:45 a.m. Tickets start at $150 each. For reservations and information, see tickets.atlantahistorycenter.com, email KHoogerwerf@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com or call 404-814-4102.
