The NFTS has a reputation for producing some of the most talented film-makers in the world and already has 5 Oscars and 8 BAFTAs under its belt for student films. But this year is exceptional with 127 graduate credits on 24 films nominated for Oscars and BAFTAs.
This includes Head Over Heels – a graduation film written and directed by Timothy Reckart and produced by Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly that poignantly captures the emotional distance between a long married husband and wife in an unusual and humourous way. It is the third NFTS film to be nominated in the short film category in the past 7 years.
Timothy, aged 27, who is currently based in New York where he’s editing a comedy pilot show that he also directed, said: “We're thrilled that Head Over Heels is nominated for an Oscar! It's such a great honour. We are so glad that this news will bring our film to more audiences around the world!”
Fodhla, aged 26, is working as a producer for Parallel Films in London. She says she’s still can’t believe its happened: “It’s incredible -it hasn’t sunk in yet. I always knew that Tim was incredibly talented but this is the first film he's written and directed so to be nominated for an Oscar is pretty amazing. We honestly couldn’t have done this without the NFTS - it's an amazing stepping-stone to the film industry.”
They are now busy making arrangements to fly out to Hollywood for the Academy Awards ceremony on February 24th.
Praising the students for their achievement, NFTS Director Nik Powell said: "Head Over Heels is an original, heart-warming and beautifully rendered film that has obviously captured the Academy's imagination. It is a huge honour for the students and the school, which is getting quite a track record in producing animated short films that can compete at such a prestigious level."
The 3 NFTS alumni also nominated for Oscars are: Roger Deakins (Cinematography, 1975) was nominated for Best Cinematography for his work on Skyfall, always a bridesmaid never a bride, Roger has been nominated 9 times previously but never won (The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, Kundun, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Man Who Wasn't There, No Country for Old Men, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The Reader and True Grit). Dario Marianelli (Composing for Film and Television, 1997) received his third career nomination for his Original Score to the film Anna Karenina. Dario previously won for his work on Atonement in 2007. Stuart Wilson (Sound, 1994) receives a nomination for his sound mixing on Skyfall. This is Stuart's second Academy Award nomination, his first was for the film War Horse.
In addition, at the Golden Globes, 17 NFTS graduates were involved in 3 award-winning films:
• Les Miserables (Winner Best Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical, Best Actor, Comedy or Musical and Best Supporting Actress) has 4 Graduate credits.
• Skyfall (Winner Best Song) has 11 Graduate credits.
• Game Change (Winner Best Miniseries, Best Actress in a Miniseries, Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries) has 1 Graduate credit.
• Downton Abbey (Winner Best Supporting Actress - Miniseries) has 1 graduate credit (3rd series)
