Awards season wide open as #Oscarbuzz picks up

Image: www.freedigitalphotos.net.

With no clear front runners in the sights just yet, it makes for a very interesting awards season - and movie lovers around the globe are enjoying making their own predictions. Back home, Cinema Nouveau has launched its "Oscar Buzz" campaign to get South Africans talking about the 2014 Academy Awards and who they think will take home one of the most sought-after awards in the annual cinema year.

Says Doug Place, marketing executive of Ster-Kinekor Theatres: "South Africans love the movies, and they love watching their favourite actors doing what they do best on the big screen. As the 2014 Oscar season officially kicks off today [16 January 2014] with this year's Academy Award nominations, we are inviting everyone to join in the excitement and anticipation that is the Oscars, by creating a buzz about it all.

"We are delighted to announce that all nine of the films announced as contenders for Best Picture at this year's Academy Awards, are on the Ster-Kinekor circuit. Some were released towards the end of last year, some are currently playing and others will be released over the next two months. This is a true testament to the fact that we have access to the very best commercial and art-house films, and that the only way to appreciate them fully is by watching them on one of our big screens," comments Place.

'And the Award goes to...'

In addition to getting everyone talking all things Oscars, Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau have also decided to test everyone's movie knowledge.

"People love being tested and showing off what they know about the movies and the cast and crew that make up each film. We have taken this to the next level by creating fictitious award categories that will really test our followers' knowledge of the movies. Playing the quiz will be fun, interactive and rewarding, if you know the answers!" Place explains.

Using that favourite Oscar phrase, 'And the Award goes to...', the Cinema Nouveau Oscars Quiz with a difference will launch on the Cinema Nouveau Facebook page on Friday 17 January. The more questions you answer correctly, the more chances you have of winning great prizes. But, if you get stuck, you can always call on the favours - and movie knowledge - of one of your friends.

The interactive quiz is designed to be fun, will have you guessing but, it will also be the ultimate test of your movie knowledge. As an example, one of the questions is: 'And the Award for Best Use of a Really Small Cast in a Space Drama goes to?'. If you think you know the answer, like the Cinema Nouveau Facebook page, link to the app and start playing.

Winners will be announced on a weekly basis and prizes include an Oscar DVD box set and double movie tickets.

"As we start the countdown to the 86th Academy Awards ceremony, take the opportunity to enjoy watching the best of film in the comfort of one of our cinemas, and join in on the 'Oscar Buzz'. We'd love to know who you think is taking an Oscar home this year," concludes Place.

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