THE BOOK THIEF and 12 YEARS In Oscar Race
Two films based on books will be opening earlier than originally planned. Both changes are are regarded as bids for Oscar nominations.
The Book Thief based on the 2007 Printz Honor novel by Markus Zusak, originally scheduled for January, will debut in a limited run on Nov. 15, According to Entertainment Weekly, “the earlier date suggests studio confidence and a possible awards-season bid.” In it, French-Canadian actress Sophie Nelisse makes her English-language film debut as Liesel, a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson play her foster parents. The film is directed by Brian Percival, who directed Downton Abbey‘s series pilot, and several episodes.
Tie-in:
The Book Thief , Markus Zusak
Knopf Books for Young Readers
On Sale Date: October 22, 2013
9780385754729, 0385754728
Paperback, $12.99 US / $14.99 Can.
Twelve Years a Slave based on Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, moves from Dec. 27 to Oct. 18, “putting it smack in the middle of the best time to release movies into the Oscar race,” notes Awards Daily. Directed by Steve McQueen, it stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Michael Fassbender as a cruel slave owner, with Brad Pitt as a Canadian abolitionist. Also starring are Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenneth Williams and the youngest actress to ever receive an Oscar nomination, Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild).
USA Today offers a “First Look” at stills from the movie.
Tie-in:
Twelve Years a Slave: (Movie Tie-In), Solomon Northup
Penguin
On Sale Date: September 4, 2013
9780143125419, 0143125419
Trade paperback $16.00 US / $17.00 Can.