Abu Dhabi-backed film scoops Oscar

Image Nation, the Abu Dhabi-based film production unit, has received its first ever Academy Award recognition after actress Octavia Spencer was commended for her role in ‘The Help’, which was co-produced by the UAE firm.

The Alabama-born 29-year old actress was awarded ‘Best Supporting Actress’ at the 84th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles for her portrayal as Minny Jackson, a headstrong and outspoken African-American maid in Mississippi during the Civil Rights era.

‘The Help’ was co-produced by Image Nation and LA-based Participant Media on a budget of $25m and has made over $206m at the box office since it was released on August 10 2011.

“We are extremely proud for Abu Dhabi to be associated with such a successful and recognised film. I want to extend our heartiest congratulations to Octavia and all involved,” said Image Nation’s chairman Mohammed Al Mubarak.

“In 2011, we were happy to have the film’s producer Brunson Green in Abu Dhabi to meet with aspiring film makers and we expect him to return in the near future to share his experience in the film industry. Brunson is a perfect example of how our international partnerships provide guidance and support to aspiring film makers from the UAE.”

“We hope that one day one of our Emirati filmmakers could be on stage accepting an Oscar,” added Image Nation CEO Michael Garin.

'The Help' was not the only production with Middle East ties to be commended at this week's Academy Awards. 'A Seperation', directed by Iranian film maker Ashgar Farhadi, picked up the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film.