BLOCKBUSTERS WITH SPINE
Books that inspired Oscar contenders
Oscar mania is again upon us with the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood being glammed up for the 92nd year of glitz and glory as we celebrate the best of cinema. Best picture nominations include Ford V Ferrari, The Irishman, Jojo Rabbit, Joker and Little Women, to name a few.
One must not forget the books that inspired this year’s Oscar nominees — from beloved classic children’s stories to organized crime in postwar America. Here’s a short list courtesy of Indigo (Indigo.ca):
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, by Fred Rogers and Tom Junod
The inspiring profile brought to life in the motion picture starring Tom Hanks, plus a collection of advice and encouragement from America’s favourite neighbour. Hanks has been nominated for best supporting actor for this film.
Caging Skies, by Christine Leunens
Caging Skies inspired the film Jojo Rabbit, nominated for six Academy Awards. It is a story told through the eyes of Johannes (Jojo) Betzler, member of the Hitler Youth during the Second World War, whose parents are hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
The Irishman: Frank Sheeran and Closing the Case on Jimmy Hoffa, by Charles Brandt
The Irishman is an epic saga of organized crime in postwar America told through the eyes of hit man Frank Sheeran. The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Martin Scorsese and starring Academy Awardwinners Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Anna Paquin, is nominated for 10 Academy Awards.
Joker, by Brian Azzarello
The Joker has been released from Arkham Asylum and he’s not happy about what happened to his Gotham City rackets while he’s been “away.” Among this year’s nominees, Joker received the most with 11, including best picture, leading actor and director nominations.
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The beloved story of the March girls is a classic feminist novel, reflecting the tension between cultural obligation and artistic and personal freedom. Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza
Scanlen star as Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth in the film nominated in six categories, including best picture and adapted screenplay.
The Rise of Skywalker, by Rae Carson
Witness the final chapter of the Skywalker saga with the official novelization of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, including expanded scenes and additional content not seen in theatres. The film is nominated for original score, sound editing and visual effects.
Richard Jewell: And Other Tales of Heroes, Scoundrels, and Renegades, by Marie Brenner
Richard Jewell is a collection of profiles by Brenner, including that of Jewell, the security guard whose heroism during the 1996 Olympics bombing made him the FBI’s prime suspect. The film stars Sam Rockwell, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde, Paul Walter Hauser and Kathy Bates, nominated for best supporting actress.
ALSO: The Two Popes: Frances, Benedict and the Decision that Shook the World, by Anthony McCarten
From the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Darkest Hour and The Theory of Everything comes the fascinating and revealing tale of two very different men. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins have been nominated for their roles in the Netflix film, which was also nominated for best adapted screenplay.