February Igloo Winners!

Best Picture
**Cobra**
Forlorn
Hillview
Realm of the Bird
Spanish Fields

Best Director
Woody Allen, Fruit of the Poison Tree
Joel and Ethan Coen, Confessions of an Economic Hitman
Jonathan Davis and Valerie Faris, Hillview
**Paul Thomas Anderson, Realm of the Bird**
Gus Van Sant, Cobra

Best Actor
Wes Bentley, Spanish Fields
Zac Efron, Cobra
**Edward Norton, Forlorn**
Al Pacino, Fruit of the Poison Tree
Sean Penn, The Judgement

Best Actress
Maria Bello, The Almost Moon
Helena Bonham Carter, Revenant Dreams
Rosario Dawson, Cassidy Blake
**Samantha Morton, Realm of the Bird**
Mena Suvari, The Lakecliff Scandal

Best Supporting Actor
George Clooney, Confessions of an Economic Hitman
Daniel Day-Lewis, Rapture
**John Malkovich, Forlorn**
Marc Wahlberg, Cobra
Fred Willard, A Unanimous Verdict

Best Supporting Actress
Adrianna Barazza, Spanish Fields
Beth Grant, Forlorn
Felicity Huffman, Cobra
**Michelle Pfeiffier, Hillview**
Miranda Richardson, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher

Best Original Screenplay
Cassidy Blake
Cobra
Forlorn
**Hillview**
Realm of the Bird

Best Adapted Screenplay
The Almost Moon
Bag of Bones
**Confessions of an Economic Hitman**
The Mousetrap
Rapture

The Andrews Author Award
Bryce and Zgamer, Rapture
Douglas Reese, Realm of the Bird
D.W., Forlorn
**James Somerton, Cobra**
Tony, Hillview
Ryan, Fruit of the Poison Tree

Best Ensemble
**Cobra**
Forlorn
Hillview
Realm of the Bird
A Unanimous Verdict

Best Performance of the Month

**Michelle Pheiffer, Hillview**

The Dreamer Award
**Sean Penn, The Judgement**

The I! Excellence Award
**Realm of the Bird**

The Sunshine Bait
**Forlorn**

The I! Hall of Fame Inductee is...

D.W.

who is always extremely consistent with his work and have written many of the best baits on the site. Congratulations D.W.!

I!'s February Igloo Nominations

Best Picture

Cobra

Forlorn

Hillview

Realm of the Bird

Spanish Fields

Best Director

Woody Allen, Fruit of the Poison Tree

Joel and Ethan Coen, Confessions of an Economic Hitman

Jonathan Davis and Valerie Faris, Hillview

Paul Thomas Anderson, Realm of the Bird

Gus Van Sant, Cobra

Best Actor

Wes Bentley, Spanish Fields

Zac Efron, Cobra

Edward Norton, Forlorn

Al Pacino, Fruit of the Poison Tree

Sean Penn, The Judgement

Best Actress

Maria Bello, The Almost Moon

Helena Bonham Carter, Revenant Dreams

Rosario Dawson, Cassidy Blake

Samantha Morton, Realm of the Bird

Mena Suvari, The Lakecliff Scandal

Best Supporting Actor

George Clooney, Confessions of an Economic Hitman

Daniel Day-Lewis, Rapture

John Malkovich, Forlorn

Marc Wahlberg, Cobra

Fred Willard, A Unanimous Verdict

Best Supporting Actress

Adrianna Barazza, Spanish Fields

Beth Grant, Forlorn

Felicity Huffman, Cobra

Michelle Pfeiffier, Hillview

Miranda Richardson, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher

Best Original Screenplay

Cassidy Blake

Cobra

Forlorn

Hillview

Realm of the Bird

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Almost Moon

Bag of Bones

Confessions of an Economic Hitman

The Mousetrap

Rapture

The Andrews Author Award

Bryce and Zgamer, Rapture

Douglas Reese, Realm of the Bird

D.W., Forlorn

James Somerton, Cobra

Tony, Hillview

Ryan, Fruit of the Poison Tree

Best Ensemble

Cobra

Forlorn

Hillview

Realm of the Bird

A Unanimous Verdict

::All of the Following Awards Will Be Announced With the Winners::

Best Performance of the Month

The Dreamer Award

(For the Performer who deserves to win awards, but probably won't)

The I! Excellence Award

(Most Destined to Become a Classic)

The Sunshine Bait

(Bait with the Best Feel)

The I! Hall of Fame

(Can be awarded to anything or one assosiated with the contest)

Looking at February Contest: Before It Even Starts

What is this month going to be like? Well, the speculation has already started, once it was announced that the contest selection was a tremedous 25 baits. As Bryce previously stated, the big contenders seem to be coming from baiters that haven't had much of the spotlight lately, and I'm here to say, that don't forget about our veterns, but there'll be a few newbies too...



The Newbies



Jeffrey's "Revenant Dreams"- This little bait has been coming out on a lot of people's list and all we can do is wait for the festival nominations to see if it will pay off. There's one problem, will the quality be able to withstand authors that campaign their baits and are prominent on the forums?



Patrick D's "A Statistic"- This may be a stupid question, but is this the same Patrick from "Rivalry at 6 PM" fame? If so, I have no doubt that this will be absolute quality, but we'll have to wait to see what the hype is about.

George's "The Man and the Window"- Sounds interesting and comes from an up and coming author, I think this has great potential, but only time will tell. I have a feeling this may not need as strong a campaign as others, but will the buzz last?


AJ's "From Ritz to Rubble"- This bait is definately going to be all over the forums, but will it help it or hurt it? There's a balance that needs to be met involving quality, right amount of exposure, and buzz. One of the riskier baits of the month.




The Spoliers


Douglas Reese's "Realm of the Bird"- Much like AJ's bait, it's really risky, but I think this will probably has a better balance of what I talked about with AJ's. If if can be strong and not keep people guessing, expect this one to pick up steam quick.

Zgamer/Bryce's "Rapture"- Could this be the next BOTM? Team baits are definately in, and Z has yet to be rewarded for his usually top-notch Video Game Adaptations. I think it has a lot going for it, but I have a feeling the people who feel that we should all be doing baity subjects may not vote for it.

Evan's "The Cloud Chamber"- Having read the bait in development, this could be as big, if not bigger than his past best "A Corner of the Universe". If the kinks are worked out and the balance that is needed is there, look for it to be a contender.

Ryan's "Fruit of the Poison Tree"- Like a lot of other baits this month, it's risky, and also having read it during it's development, it also had a few kinks to work out. If it can stay on the voters minds, and fufil's the potential it had, it has the poise to be a Best Picture winner.


A-Listers


D.W.'s "Forlorn"- Similar to the past two, I have also read this, except it was the final draft. It has a lot of Edgar Allan Poe overtones (which I LOVED) and is really a bait to lookout for. Having his A-List status usually means that D.W. doesn't really need to campaign to have his bait remebered, but with a little extra push I have not doubt this can crack the top 5.

Tony's "Hillview"- Just looking at the posters and short synopsis for this bait, it has to be my most anticapted bait of the month. Knowing the campaigns the yet to win BOTM author usually brings out, I think this will the bait to beat for the month.
(Extra Bonus: It features my best girl, Michelle Pheiffer)

Pat's "Cassidy Blake"- Pat is probably the biggest author in the contest, and this lastest bait, directed by Quentin (need I mention his last name), sounds like it could be a great, or absolute crap. Based on the buzz right now, it seems to be the latter. Nevertheless, expect this to be a solid bait, despite the buzz level.

James Somerton's "COBRA"- James only had modest success the past few months, but I'm going with the crowd who says this will put him back on top. However, it has to overcome the risky casting of Zac Efron in the lead role.

Here are my current predictions...









Others in Contentions:
Rapture
Fruit of the Poison Tree
A Statistic
The Man and the Window


Contrary to what some are saying, I think this month will be a lot of bigger profile authors recieving much of the acclaim, but I think this month's crop of Newbies, is one of the best we've had in a while. Making this February, one of the most interesting to come...


Note: There are many more baits with buzz, but I didn't feel they fit the subject of the article.

Pssst....Who's the New Guy?

In the past few months most of the bait of the month winners have been people who were overdue (harry and Chris P.) or past time winners (zGamer and Pat), but when was the last time a new guy came and returned a kick to score a touchdown? (It's a metaphor for bait of the month and woot! Giants!) Well no need to try and remember because this month will probably be the month a new guy wins bait of the month. Why you ask? Well after reading this month's festival baits (25 baits! That was a workout) these new guys are going to rock the hell out of febuary, and there looking for blood. Let me start by saying that I was very impressed with this batch of festival baits and February will be a great month. These new guys however, they have some impressive baits. Among them is Jeffrey's "Revenant Dreams", Patrick D's "A Statistic", George's "The Man and the Window", and AJ's "From Ritz to Rubble". But let's not forget the kings of oscar igloo. James Somerton's "Cobra" is amazing, along with D.W.'s "Forlorn", and Michael is back with "Mame". There are alot more great baits I didn't get the chance to mention but I predict February is going to be one hell of a ride (especially for predicting)

My Future Musical Baits

Hey guys, I was in the process of looking at musicals to adapt the contest and was looking for input, if you could please comment, that would be great! Also, just to let you guys know, I have decided to release an adapted Broadway musical every other month so these projects will likely fall under that category, unless it says otherwise.

• Mame- Based on the musical of the same name, this will be released next month. Cast: Bernadette Peters, Megan Mullally, Angela Lansbury, and Richard Gere. Development Stage: Post-production. Preview copies are about to be mailed.
• Gypsy- With a completely different cast and crew than the April 2007 version, I am more excited about this project than any pervious one. Cast: Bernadette Peters, Victor Garber, Brittany Snow, Kristen Bell, and Curtis Holbrook. Development Stage: In the process of finalizing crew, writing synopsis/review.
• Spring Awakening- This project has been resurrected after some new ideas in cast/crew. Development Stage: Currently considering cast members, and researching the musical.
• Les Miserables- After a long wait in the forums and in Hollywood, the groundbreaking musical will now come to the big screen. Development Stage: Alan Parker has signed on to direct and possibly adapt the story, but no other people have been selected for cast/crew.
• Buddy! : The Buddy Holly Story- Based on the short-lived broadway musical of the same name. Cast: John Lloyd Young, Curtis Holbrook, and Tyler Hilton. Development Stage: Looking for more cast members, crew, and synopsis is underway. (This project will not likely count under the 2 month rule)

Other projects just starting production: Company, The Drowsy Chaperone, Curtains, The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity, The Apple Tree, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, The Boy From Oz and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Please comment!

My Thoughts: Oscar Predictions

Ok, first off, I am so grateful that I recieved a personal best, 11 Oscar nominations, it means so much to me and even more that I am a part of the Editor's Top 5, and also recieved a Best Picture nomination. However, I will leave my nominations out of the predictions...

Best Online Awards Campaign
The Bluest Eye
A Corner of the Universe
Killer Queen
Magic Lantern
Monsieur Verdoux
WeekEnd

Will Win: A Corner of the Universe
Should Win: Magic Lantern

Best Title
Angels Weep in Pakistan
Blood Harmony
Death Whispered a Lullaby
Kubrick Unfinished
A Life of Death
Primary Concerns

Will Win: Primary Concerns
Should Win: Primary Concerns

Best Box-Office Potential
Brooks and Kane
Finding Death
A Life of Death
Primary Concerns
TENTPOLE!

Will Win: Brooks and Kane
Should Win: Finding Death

Best Cult Bait
Between the Line of Life and Death
Kubrick Unfinished
Monsieur Verdoux
Problem Solver
The Trial of Alice Adams

Will Win: Monsieur Verdoux
Should Win: Between the Line of Life and Death

Most Original Bait
Angels Weep in Pakistan
Brooks and Kane
Between the Line of Life and Death
Masterpiece
Problem Solver

Will Win: Brooks and Kane
Should Win: Masterpiece

Most Original Character
Terrence Washington, played by Brandon Mychal Smith, in Between the Line of Life and Death
Shinigami, played by Gary Oldman, in Finding Death
William Lynx, played by Trevor Morgan, in Problem Solver
Janet Pascal, played by Sigourney Weaver, in TENTPOLE!
Rudolph Adams, played by Matt Damon, in The Trial of Alice Adams

Will Win: Janet Pascal/Sigourney Weaver/TENTPOLE!
Should Win: Shinigami/Gary Oldman/Finding Death

Best Cast
Between the Line of Life and Death
The Bluest Eye
Finding Death
Masterpiece
Their Grace

Will Win: The Bluest Eye
Should Win: Masterpiece

Best Casting Choice
Terry O'Quinn as Roger Starx in Death Whispered a Lullaby
Casey Affleck as Freddie Mercury in Killer Queen
Paul Dano as Mark Bristan in Masterpiece
Cate Blanchett as Annabbela Bonheur in Monsieur Verdoux
Nick Stahl as Bob McCoy in WeekEnd

Will Win: Paul Dano/Mark Bristan/Masterpiece
Should Win: Paul Dano/Mark Bristan/Masterpiece

Best Crew
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Bluest Eye
The Elusive Flame
Magic Lantern
Monsieur Verdoux
Pine Terrace

Will Win: Magic Lantern
Should Win: Magic Lantern

Best Tagline
"Color Meant Everything" - The Bluest Eye
"Keep your eyes wide open"- Kubrick Unfinished
"How can one live when all there is around them is death?"- A Life of Death
"The greatest beauty is the thing that you’ll never find"- Masterpiece
"They want the most important job in the world. He’s here to tell you why they shouldn’t get it"- Primary Concerns

Will Win: Kubrick Unfinished
Should Win: Masterpiece

Best Poster
Death Whispered a Lullaby
Kubrick Unfinished
Magic Lantern
(Where's The Dark Tower?)

Will Win: Death Whispered a Lullaby
Should Win: Death Whispered a Lullaby

Best Author
Oustanding Achievement on Writing and Creativity
Chris Perkins & D.W. Dillon (The Bluest Eye)
Evan D. (A Corner of the Universe)
Harry (Magic Lantern)
Michael (A Life of Death)
Pat (Masterpiece)
Zgamer (Brooks and Kane)

Will Win: Harry
Should Win: Harry

Best Plot/Synopsis
Between the Line of Life and Death
The Bluest Eye
Brooks and Kane
A Life of Death
Magic Lantern
Masterpiece

Will Win: Magic Lantern
Should Win: Magic Lantern/Masterpiece

Best Awards Campaign
The Bluest Eye
Finding Death
A Life of Death
Magic Lantern
Masterpiece
Their Grace

Will Win: Finding Death
Should Win: Masterpiece

::The Big 8 Awards::

Best Director
Bernardo Bertolucci, Magic Lantern
Tim Burton, A Life of Death
Terry George, Death Whispered a Lullaby
Carl Franklin, The Bluest Eye
Stephen Frears, Kubrick Unfinished

Will Win: Carl Franklin, The Bluest Eye
Should Win: Bernardo Bertolucci, Magic Lantern

Best Actor
Don Cheadle, The Bluest Eye
James Marsden, Brooks and Kane
Viggo Mortensen, The Dark Tower
Brad Pitt, Finding Death
Stellan Skarsgård, Magic Lantern
Max Von Sydow, Masterpiece

Will Win: Viggo Mortensen, The Dark Tower
Should Win: Stellan Skarsgard, Magic Lantern

Best Actress
Kate Hudson, Angels Weep in Pakistan
Keke Palmer, The Bluest Eye
Anna Sophia Robb, A Corner of the Universe
Sigourney Weaver, TENTPOLE!
Michelle Williams, Their Grace

Will Win: Michelle Williams, Their Grace
Should Win: Michelle Williams, Their Grace

Best Supporting Actor
Paul Dano, Masterpiece
Frank Langella, Their Grace
Philip Seymour Hoffman, All Quiet on the Western Front
Gary Oldman, Finding Death
Terry O'Quinn, Death Whispered a Lullaby

Will Win: Paul Dano, Masterpiece
Should Win: Terry O'Quinn, Death Whispered a Lullaby

Best Supporting Actress
Lauren Bacall, Masterpiece
Julie Delpy, Magic Lantern
Catherine Keener, Kubrick Unfinished
Frances McDormand, Their Grace
Maggie Smith, A Life of Death

Will Win: Lauren Bacall, Mastepiece
Should Win: Julie Deply, Magic Lantern

Best Original Screenplay
Between the Line of Life and Death
Brooks and Kane
Finding Death
Kubrick Unfinished
A Life of Death
Masterpiece

Will Win: Masterpiece
Should Win: Brooks and Kane

Best Adapted Screenplay
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Bluest Eye
A Corner Of The Universe
The Dark Tower
Magic Lantern
Their Grace

Will Win: The Bluest Eye
Should Win: Magic Lantern

Best Picture
The Bluest Eye
Brooks and Kane
A Life of Death
Magic Lantern
Masterpiece

Will Win: Magic Latern
Should Win: Magic Latern

Win Totals
Magic Lantern- 4
Masterpiece- 4
The Bluest Eye- 3
Brooks and Kane- 2
A Corner of the Universe- 1
The Dark Tower- 1
Death Whispered by Lullaby- 1
Finding Death- 1
Kubrick Unfinished- 1
Monsieur Verdoux- 1
Primary Concerns-1
Tentpole- 1
Their Grace- 1

My Thoughts: The January Oscars

Well, I have to say, that much like this years realy Oscars, everything has been all over the map and for the most part, unpredictable. I think to many people's surprise this month in the contest, it will be the same exact way....

THE BEST PICTURE RACE

The main race that I feel is all over the map. Magic Latern I feel is probably the onle safe bet to get a nomination, and I actually think it deserves and will win the big prize. However, the other four nominations could go to a lot of other baits, but I think this will be the lineup...

The Bluest Eye
Finding Death
Magic Latern
Masterpiece
Their Grace

I think the two biggest surprises will be Brooks and Kane being ignored and The Bluest Eye sneaking in a nomination.

THE ACTING CATEGORIES

Unlike previous months, I think none of the acting categories this month have frontrunners with many of the awards between as many as 3 actors/actresses. I think these are the frontrunners in the categories though...

Best Actor
Viggo Mortensen, The Dark Tower
Brad Pitt, Finding Death
Stellan Skarsgard, Magic Latern

Best Actress
Kate Hudson, Angels Weep in Pakistan
Sigourney Weaver, Tentpole!
Michelle Williams, Their Grace

Best Supporting Actor
Paul Dano, Masterpiece
Tim Robbins, Angels Weep in Pakistan

Best Supporting Actress
Julie Deply, Magic Latern
Frances McDormand, Their Grace

THE BEST DIRECTOR RACE

I think many of the director nominations this month will come from fantastic choices and from the Best Picture nominees, so no vehicles for Directors will get nominated.

Bernardo Bertollucci, Magic Latern
Carl Franklin, The Bluest Eye
Marc Forster, Masterpiece
David Lynch, The Dark Tower
Mike Nichols, Brooks and Kane


Thoughts?