Atul Kulkarni has been nominated for ‘Best Actor’ award at the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards. After its domestic success, international audiences, have woken up to the socially relevant Marathi film Natarang produced by Zee Talkies. Naseeruddin Shah was one of the few Indian actors previously nominated for his performance in A Wednesday in 2008.
The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) also labeled by a few as ‘The Oscars of the East’ recognises the cinematic brilliance and cultural
diversity of the vast Asia-Pacific region. Established in 2007, it brings together in an exclusive alliance, Paris-based UNESCO and FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations. In all, APSA represents four billion people; 60 percent of the global population; 70 countries; one third of the earth; and half the world’s film output. The awards aim at demonstrating, rich cultural diversity by acclaiming films representing their individuality.
The winners are determined by the ‘International Jury of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ who will assemble on Australia’s Gold Coast on November 22 to initiate deliberations. The ceremony is being held on December 2, and will be chaired by film critic and historian, Adrienne Mc Kibbins, and includes Australia’s film critic Russell Edwards amongst others.
Atul Kulkarni has serious competition amongst Australia’s veteran actor Tony Barry and Chen Daoming from China, to name a few. This nomination closely follows on the lines of the ‘Special Mention’ at the Munich Film Festival in Germany.
Natarang is also to be awarded the National Award for ‘Best Film in Marathi’ on October 22, at New Delhi.