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8th annual 'Film Week' Oscars preview tapes at the Egyptian
Egyptian Theater
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KPCC
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Larry Mantle and the "Film Week" critics discuss "The Hurt Locker"
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KPCC
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Last Sunday, February 28th, about 400 “Film Week” listeners attended our yearly Academy Award preview. Not only was the turnout a thrill, but the back-and-forth between our critics was particularly spirited. The show airs Friday at 10:30 a.m. on KPCC.
Though I have a great time hosting our in-studio “Film Week,” it’s even more fun to see our critics and audience members respond to each other at the Oscar show.
This year was particularly lively, as James Cameron’s “Avatar” polarized. Critic Henry Sheehan was a strong defender of the movie, and he had plenty of support in the audience. Sharply disagreeing was critic Charles Solomon. His blistering ridicule of “Avatar” also hit home, triggering guffaws.
Katherine Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” was universally acclaimed by our critics, all of whom are members of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA). LAFCA was the first critics’ organization to choose “The Hurt Locker” as Best Film.
Probably my favorite part of each year’s show comes from our critics championing the movies and performances that they thought were overlooked. This year was no exception, even with the Academy expanding the number of Best Picture nominees to ten.
We look forward to next year’s “Film Week” On the Road at the Egyptian and hope to see you there. Our critics put great care and passion into “Film Week,” and I know that your support of their work means a lot to them. As always, it’s a real treat to see listeners like you at our programs throughout the Southland.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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