Star Trek, Up Named In Ten Best Films Of 2009
Written by Wayne Hall on December 7, 2009 – 12:00 pm -
Be sure you are sitting down before you read this story.
J. J. Abrams‘ Star Trek has been named one of the top 10 films of the year by the National Board of Review, according to SciFi Wire. So has Disney/Pixar’s animated 3D feature Up.
The other movies in the category (listed alphabetically, of course) were An Education, (500) Days Of Summer, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Basterds, Invictus, The Messenger, A Serious Man and Where The Wild Things Are. For genre films, that’s pretty good company to be in.
This is quite a rare accomplishment. Past genre films named by the NBR included 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars and E.T. However, other science-fiction classics like Blade Runner and Alien weren’t mentioned. In fact, this is the first time a Trek film has been on the list.
Then, too, in the Indepedent Film category, the NBR included District 9 and Moon.
Here’s how the organization’s website describes themselves: “For over 100 years the National Board of Review has dedicated its efforts to the support of film, domestic and foreign, as both art and entertainment. Our nonprofit organization celebrates the distinctive voice of the individual artist, honoring excellence and supporting freedom of expression in film. The Board’s core activities include fostering commentary on all aspects of film production, as well as underwriting educational film programs and seminars for film students.”
While Up is likely to win in many animated film competitions, might an Oscar be in Trek‘s future? Paramount has already identified the movie as one of the four films they are promoting in their “for your consideration” awards campaign. Will other film critics add it to their yearly lists? If so, fans could see this long-lived franchise finally get some mainstream recognition.
Response to all of this has been much like Steven James Snyder’s at Techland: “My first reaction to the news was shock – then giddiness. Just last night, I posted a letter to the Academy, imploring them to remember District 9 when it comes to this year’s supersized 10 nominees for best picture. After seeing what the NBR chose to do, the debate shifted from ‘Will they honor sci-fi?’ to ‘Which sci-fi epic is better?’ My brother and I immediately split: I’m going with District 9, he’s going with Star Trek.”
“So now I’m wondering: Could the brilliant Trek reboot actually have a shot at a solid awards campaign? Will this be the year when more awards bodies go mainstream – and, by default, embrace more sci-fi? In any case, Star Trek is one of the year’s best films,” Snyder said.
Related posts:
- Star Trek XI Named Hollywood Movie Of The Year
- Before “Fan Films” There Was ‘The Fanzine’ – Star Trek & Star Wars Fanzine Collection Acquired By University Of Iowa
- Trek Pulses: 9 April 2009
- Gods and Men wins top SF Web Award
- J.J. Abrams Star Trek Officially The Biggest Ever
Tags: Disney, District 9, J.J. Abrams, Star Trek, Up
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