Hollywood Film Festival(R) and Hollywood Awards (R) Set Pace for Oscar(R) Race and Celebrate World and European Cinema in Hollywood

In their eighth year, the Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards announce the launch of their World and European cinema awards.

"We are very excited to be having our eighth annual festival and awards from October 12 to 18 at Arclight Cinemas. Last year's festival was one of the best yet, with our awards going to such Hollywood icons as Sir Anthony Hopkins, Goldie Hawn, Ron Howard, Sydney Pollack, and newcomers Orlando Bloom and Scarlett Johansson," Executive Director Carlos de Abreu announced.

"Because we are an international competitive event, we are committed, more than ever, to implementing our mandate: bridging the gap between established Hollywood and the global creative community. This year alone, a total of 24 Oscar(R) nominations and 4 Oscars(R) were given to films the festival showcased and to the nominees and honorees of the 2003 Hollywood Awards. We are very pleased that we are becoming recognized as a launchpad for Oscar(R) contenders," de Abreu said.

To reaffirm their commitment to quality international filmmaking, the annual festival, "Screen International," Screen Daily and Filmfestivals.com have aligned to focus on celebrating World and European cinema. From a list of up to 40 international films, a Blue Ribbon Selection Committee of 20 international judges will select ten films as nominees for the "Hollywood World Awards" and will nominate another ten films for the "Hollywood European Awards." These films must be completed between September 1, 2003, and October 1, 2004. The awards will be bestowed during the Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony on October 18 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

"'Screen International' and Screendaily.com are thrilled to be partnered with Carlos de Abreu on this exciting initiative," said Screen editor in chief Colin Brown. "This gives the Hollywood community the opportunity to get a valuable pre-Oscar look at what's hot in international cinema this year."

"It is our ambition to strengthen creative links between the communities on both sides of the Atlantic. We are truly thankful to the Hollywood Film Festival founder for giving such a new window of opportunities to European film. We Europeans will always look for new ways of presenting our diversity and creativity in the art of filmmaking to demanding film fans and Hollywood decision makers. Providing a fast track to European filmmakers through this established event, in front of such a powerful community, is our challenge for the months to come. We are so thankful to the exceptional network of film personalities that is gathering and ready to contribute to the success of the Hollywood European Awards," Bruno Chatelin, filmfestivals.com co-founder and COO said.

Prior years' Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony nominees, honorees and presenters have been a virtual "who's who" of Hollywood's A-list talent and executives including Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Halle Berry, Orlando Bloom, Sandra Bullock, Cameron Crowe, Russell Crowe, Billy Crystal, Benicio Del Toro, Danny DeVito, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colin Farrell, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Anthony Hopkins, Ron Howard, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Diane Keaton, Nicole Kidman, Lucy Liu, George Lucas, Matthew McConaughey, McG, Ewan McGregor, Mike Myers, Amy Pascal, Sydney Pollack, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Charlize Theron, Robert Towne, John Travolta, and Naomi Watts among many others.

"In addition, the Hollywood Film Festival is very proud of its diverse programming. Last year's premieres included films like 'Girl With a Pearl Earring,' 'Shattered Glass,' 'The Singing Detective,' and 'The Human Stain,' among many others. We want to make sure that quality films from both independent producers and Hollywood studios are represented," Mr. de Abreu said.

The Hollywood Film Festival kicks off October 12 for a six-day series of screenings, conferences, and special presentations with Q/A sessions at Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood. On October 18, the festival culminates with the prestigious Hollywood Awards, which honors established Hollywood talent and international filmmakers.
The Co-Chair of the Hollywood Film Festival's Hollywood European Award Selection Committee: Mr. Carlos de Abreu, festival founder, Ms. Paula Wagner, producer (Mr. Tom Cruise's partner) and Bruno Chatelin COO Filmfestivals Entertainment Group.