slides: NEW: Oscar Nominations—The Rhode Island Connection

Django Unchained

(5 nominations, including Best Picture)

Nominee: Robert Richardson (Best Cinematography, Best Writing-Adapted Screenplay)

RI Connection: Richardson, who was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Film/Animation/Video in 1979. He is one of two living persons who won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography three times, the other being Vittorio Storaro.

Ted

Nominee: Seth MacFarlane (Music--Original Song)

RI Connection: MacFarlane, who wrote the lyrics for the nominated song, "Everybody Needs A Friend," is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design ('95). The RISD alum also, as the creator of Family Guy, regularly features Rhode Island in his animated hit show. This is MacFarlane's first Oscar nomination. Also Miss Universe and Cranston native Olivia Culpo was cast in a walk-on role in the film.

Silver Linings Playbook

(8 nominations, including Best Picture)

Nominee: David O. Russell (Best Director, Best Writing-Adapted Screenplay)

RI Connection: David O. Russell is linked as readying to direct a biopic of the life of Providence Mayor Buddy A. Cianci.

Beasts of the Southern Wi

(4 nominations, including Best Picture)

RI Connection: Four RISD alums worked on the film: Eliza Zeitlin '07 SC - artistic advisor to her brother, Benh Zeitlin, Best Director nominee; Jonathan Mosca '07 PR - construction foreman; Sophie Kosofsky '06 FD - construction coordinator; Annie Evelyn '99 FD/MFA'07 - set decorator.

Moonrise Kingdom

(Best Writing-West Anderson & Roman Coppola)

RI Connection: The film was filmed entirely on location in Rhode Island and features many local professionals and amateurs on screen and behind the camera in many production and support capacities.

Wreck-It Ralph

(Best Animated Feature Film)

RI Connection: Jennifer Lee, the film's co-writer, is an East Providence, RI, native.

ParaNorman

(Best Animated Feature Film)

RI Connection: RISD alum Martha Grant ('10 FAV) worked on the film.
 

Asad

(Best Short Film-Live Action)

RI Connection: Asad was was a Festival Opening Night Premiere at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and the Festival's Official Nomination to the Academy.

Buzkashi Boys

(Best Short Film-Live Action)

RI Connection: Buzkashi Boys was also a Festival Opening Night Premiere at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

Henry

(Best Short Film-Live Action)

RI Connection: Henry was also a Festival Opening Night Premiere at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.