GAY FILMMAKERS HONOURED WITH OSCAR NODS

Films directed by two openly-gay men received a combined seven nods at yesterday’s announcement of nominees for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

The film Precious, directed by Lee Daniels earned nominations in the categories of Best Motion Picture of the Year, Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Gabourey Sidibe), Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Mo’Nique), Achievement in Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Achievement in Film Editing.

With the nomination for his work on Precious, Daniels has become the first openly gay African American director to receive an Oscar nomination.

In Precious, actress Paula Patton portrays out lesbian teacher Ms. Rain whose emotional support assists and inspires the film’s protagonist. In the film, viewers meet Rain’s partner and hear of the rejection that the loving couple face from their families.

A Single Man, directed by former Gucci designer Tom Ford, was nominated in the category of Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Colin Firth’s turn as the main character George.

In the film, George’s long-time partner is killed in a car accident and he is banned from attending the funeral. Taking place in the homophobic world of the early 1960s, the film shows a man forced to live an entirely different life in private.

“These films tell inclusive and diverse stories of our community which grow awareness and understanding of the lives of gay and transgender people,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

“We need to advocate for more gay-inclusive stories to be shared with mainstream audiences because as more people see these images, they realise that we have the same aspirations, hopes, and deserve the same chances to take care of our loved ones and families,” said Barrios.

Both films are also nominated for Outstanding Film – Wide Release at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards which recognise and honour media for outstanding images of the LGBT community.

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards takes place on Sunday March 07.