AND THE AUDIENCE FAVORITE AT 25th ANNUAL ASPEN FILM ACADEMY SCREENINGS PROGRAM GOES TO… “HIDDEN FIGURES”
January 13, 2017
Aspen, CO (January 10, 2017) – With the kick-off of the new year, awards season has officially started! Over the holidays Aspen Film screened 23 films in contention for awards recognition as part of the 25th annual Academy Screening Series. Audience members voted and selected Hidden Figures as Aspen Academy Screenings Audience Choice Award for Best Film.
Hidden Figures is currently the #1 movie at the box office and has already received several accolades including two Golden Globe nominations, two Screen Actors Guild nominations, three Broadcast Film Critics Association nominations and much more. The two runner-up films were Illumination and Universal’s animated film Sing and the documentary Gleason.
“In a year that has brought a surprisingly high number of critically acclaimed films to the big screen, Hidden Figures went on to grab top honors at Aspen Film’s acclaimed Academy Screenings,” said Aspen Film Executive Director John Thew. “Aspen Film was thrilled to work with some of the top film studios and distributors to provide an opportunity for AMPAS voting members and associated guilds to screen award contenders on the big screen among Aspen’s most discerning filmgoers.”
Programming Director Jane Schoettle added, “It’s been very gratifying to see the sophisticated, engaged Aspen audience commit to attending a ten-day series over the holidays, and, in my first year, it’s been a pleasure to get to know this community. 2016 was a strong year for cinema and given the increased attendance and warm feedback from the Aspen audience, it’s especially rewarding to see Hidden Figures take the Audience Award from such a strong field.”
All films that screen as part of the Academy Screenings were eligible for the Audience Award. Programmed by Schoettle, this year’s selections included 20th Century Women, Deepwater Horizon, Elle, Fences, The Founder, Gleason, Gold, Hell or Highwater, I Am Not Your Negro, Jackie, Julieta, La La Land, Lion, Loving, Manchester by the Sea, A Monster Calls, Moonlight, Neruda, Nocturnal Animals, Paterson, Sand Storm and Toni Erdmann. Voting members of AMPAS, BAFTA and associated guilds received a complimentary Industry Pass to the Academy Screenings. This year marked one of the best-selling Academy Screenings in Aspen over the last five years, with attendance up 22 percent from last year’s events.
Celebrating 25 years of Academy Screenings, Aspen is a longtime favorite winter destination for voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and various guilds, what began as an intimate and exclusive industry-only event has grown into an Aspen holiday tradition bringing together film professionals, visitors and residents alike. From starry features to fresh independent voices, Aspen Film’s Academy Screenings brings the heat of the awards season race to the mountains.
Next up for Aspen Film is the 26th Aspen Shortsfest (April 4-9, 2017), one of the world’s premier international short film showcases. This Oscar®-qualifying international competition offers a diverse and exciting selection of drama, comedy, animation and documentary – all at 40 minutes or less. For more information and to join Aspen Film, please visit aspenfilm.org. For updates, like Aspen Film on Facebook, follow @aspenfilm on Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT ASPEN FILM
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and Film Educates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. To learn more, visit www.aspenfilm.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aspenfilm.