Xavier Dolan in I Killed My Mother
POLYTECHNIQUE Leads Genie Awards 2010
"This year's nominations reflect a national cinema that is courageous in its storytelling," said Sara Morton, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, referring to this year's nominees for the 2010 Genie Awards, the Canadian Oscars. "They are films created from the wealth of cultures, communities, and historical moments that make up the Canadian identity. As the Genie Awards celebrate its 30th anniversary, these nominees will remind us of why it is as important as ever to celebrate and cherish the best of Canadian film."
One who probably doesn't feel like either celebrating or cherishing is 20-year-old filmmaker Xavier Dolan, whose I Killed My Mother, Canada's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, was snubbed by the Academy of Canadian Cinema. And not just snubbed for Best Film and Best Director — this story of a gay teen and his warped relationship with his mother, despite three wins at Cannes, successful festival screenings, and numerous good reviews especially for its female star, Anne Dorval, received a total of zero nominations. (The Hollywood Academy also failed to include it among the year's foreign-language nominees.)
As a sort of consolation prize, Xavier Dolan will be getting the Genies' non-competitive Claude Jutra Award given to an outstanding first-time filmmaker. Additionally, Dolan's film is up for five Prix Jutra, Quebec's own Oscars.
When asked about the I Killed My Mother snub at the Genies, Sara Morton replied: "It definitely was considered in all the categories. There is a significant difference between a film that does well on the festival circuit and one which is in a competition against other films. I don't think you can generalize from festival success to Genie success."
Unlike the Hollywood Academy, which allows members to vote on the nominees of their particular branches, the Genies' nominating jury is composed of film professionals, movie critics and journalists.
Quote: Globe and Mail
Photo: I Killed My Mother (Regent Releasing)