James Mcavoy in Atonement

Atonement receives seven Oscar nominations

James McAvoy in Atonement

McEwan adaptation is nominated for ‘Best Picture’

22 January 2008

Oscar nominations

The film adaptation of Atonement, based on the Ian McEwan novel shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2001, has received 7 nominations for the Oscars it was announced today (23 January 2008).

The seven nominations are for best picture, best supporting actress, art direction, cinematography, costume design, music and adapted screenplay. The screenplay was adapted for the screen by Christopher Hampton.

There was disappointment for the two stars of the film, James McAvoy and Keira Knightly, but 13-year old Irish schoolgirl, Saoirse Ronan, is in the running for the title of best supporting actress.

Atonement tells the story of 13 year old Briony Tallis, who changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister’s lover of a crime he did not commit. Set in an England of class divisions, accentuated by the horrors of war, the novel is an emotional exploration of shame, forgiveness and the difficulty of absolution.

The film is directed by Joe Wright (of Pride & Prejudice fame) and produced by co-chairmen of Working Title Films Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, and Paul Webster. Ian McEwan also acted as Executive Producer.

Atonement is one of 39 Booker Prize winning and shortlisted books that have been made into films or are in production. As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, the ICA (Institute for Contemporary Arts) in London will be hosting a season of films adapted from Booker Prize winning novels.

The Man Booker Prize Fiction at its finest