O Kazakhstan
Borat’s rendition of the Kazakh national anthem has qualified for next year’s Best Original Song Oscar. The number, which features lyrics like “Kazakhstan is the greatest country in the world, all other countries are run by little girls”, could walk away with the coveted statuette next year if it can fend off the likes of Casino Royale’s You Know My Name to The Heart of The Game’s Believe It. All in all there are 56 songs in contention for the shortlist, which will be announced on Jan 23.
Yet Another DVD Format Joins The Party
Still torn between HD-DVD and Blu Ray? Well prepare yourself because a third high definition format is about to be unleashed in the form of China’s EVD, or Enhanced Versatile Disc. China plans to switch entirely to EVD by 2008 but, as yet, no Hollywood studios have announced plans to support the format.
Free Blade
Wesley Snipes is a free man once more after being released on $1 million bail after his arrest for tax fraud. The actor plans to return to Namibia, where he’s filming Andrew Goth’s Gallowwalker, and will appear in court at a later date to face the charges. If found guilty Snipes could face a 16 year prison sentence. On the plus side, though, it would effectively rule out any chance of a Blade 4, thus saving millions from unnecessary suffering.
Aliens Games In The Works
Sega has apparently signed a deal to develop a series of games based on the Alien franchise. The line-up will include a first-person shooter (far from the first using this license) and, more interestingly, a role-playing game. Talks are ongoing with cast members from Sigourney Weaver to Lance Henriksen to reprise their roles for the games, the first of which is due out in 2008.
Bafta Rebuffs Oscar Hopefuls
The Good Shepherd, The Good German and Clint Eastwood’s sure to be good Letters From Iwo Jima have all been given the brush off by Bafta. According to bafta guidelines, only films released in the UK before the ceremony on 11 February are eligible for consideration at next year’s awards, meaning all three films – currently tipped for Oscar success – are rendered ineligible. Bafta has stated that the films will not go unnoticed but will have to wait until 2008 before being given a shot at the British gongs.