The Oscar nominations represent the culmination of a distinguished awards period for the film, which has been previously honored with a far-ranging number of nominations across the artistic guilds, societies and associations.
"We're both thrilled and humbled at 'Seabiscuit's' continuing track record," stated Stacey Snider, chairman, Universal Pictures. "From the beginning, this was a story that truly moved us. And we all feel that Gary wrote and directed an amazing film version of Laura's inspired book. We believed 'Seabiscuit' was a winner from the start, and it's such a joy to see that belief borne out, first with the audiences, then with the critics, and now with the accolades this film has received from such esteemed organizations."
"Obviously I feel great personally, best picture and the writing, but I really feel great that my entire crew was recognized," said filmmaker Gary Ross. "To recognize everyone who worked so hard, helping me every day, would make any director proud."
Added producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, "We are absolutely ecstatic to see our film recognized in this way. It is extremely rewarding to have everyone's contributions acknowledged."
The story of the little horse that inspired a nation turned into the story of the film that became a hit with moviegoers in its initial release and again when launched on DVD/home video. Debuting in theaters on July 25, "Seabiscuit" went on to take in more than $120 million in domestic box office receipts. Within the first six days of its December 16 DVD/home video release, "Seabiscuit" sold a record-establishing 5 million units, making it the year's best-selling drama; when it topped 6.5 million units after four weeks, the film became the best-selling drama on DVD of all time.
To date, "Seabiscuit" has appeared on more than 50 influential critics' lists (including the National Board of Review) of the Top 10 films of 2003 and has been singled out for nominations by an array of professional organizations, guilds and nominating bodies, including:
* Directors Guild of America (Outstanding Feature Directorial
Achievement - Gary Ross)
* Writers Guild of America (Best Adapted Screenplay - Gary Ross)
* Producers Guild of America (Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award
in Theatrical Motion Pictures - Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Gary
Ross)
* Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Golden Globes (Best Motion
Picture, Drama, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - William H. Macy)
* Screen Actors Guild (Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a
Supporting Role - Chris Cooper, and Outstanding Cast in a Motion
Picture - Elizabeth Banks, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy,
Tobey Maguire, Gary Stevens)
* American Society of Cinematographers (Outstanding Feature Film
Achievement)
* American Cinema Editors (Best Edited Feature Film, Dramatic)
* Art Directors Guild (Excellence in Production Design Award - Period or
Fantasy)
* Cinema Audio Society (Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing - Feature)
* Costume Designers Guild (Excellence in Costume Design Period/Fantasy
for Film)
* Hollywood Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Guild (Best Period Makeup,
Feature)
* Motion Picture Sound Editors (Best Dialogue Editing in a Feature Film
and Best Sound Editing in a Feature Film - Sound Effects and Foley)
From Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, "Seabiscuit," an American epic of triumph and perseverance set during the Great Depression, is based on the best-selling book that was one of the most popular and widely read non-fiction books of recent years. It is the story of three men - a jockey (Tobey Maguire), a businessman (Jeff Bridges) and a trainer (Chris Cooper) - and the down-and-out racehorse that took them and the entire nation on the ride of a lifetime.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
"Seabiscuit" Photo Gallery
"Seabiscuit" Cast Interviews, Trailer and News
