Polytechnique Leads the 30th Annual Genie Awards with 11 Nominations

Followed closely behind by NURSE.FIGHTER.BOY and Before Tomorrow

TORONTO, March 1 /CNW/ - The nominations for the 30th Annual Genie Awards were announced today by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television at a press conference in Toronto hosted by Gordon Pinsent (three-time Genie Award-winner) and Tatiana Maslany (Special Jury Prize, Sundance 2010 - Grown Up Movie Star). Leading the pack with 11 nominations is Polytechnique, including nods for Best Motion Picture and Best Direction. Following closely behind are NURSE.FIGHTER.BOY (ten nominations), Before Tomorrow (nine), Grande Ourse: La clé des possibles / The Master Key (eight) and Fifty Dead Men Walking (seven).

"This year's nominations reflect a national cinema that is courageous in its storytelling," says Sara Morton, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. "They are films created from the wealth of cultures, communities, and historical moments that make up the Canadian identity. As the Genie Awards celebrate its 30th anniversary, these nominees will remind us of why it is as important as ever to celebrate and cherish the best of Canadian film."

The 30th Genie Awards will take place Monday, April 12, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario at the Guvernment / Kool Haus Entertainment Complex, a live entertainment venue located on the city's waterfront. Broadcast details will be announced in the coming weeks.

For the complete list of nominations and additional information about this year's awards show, visit www.genieawards.ca.

About the ACCT:

Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition, and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film and television. Unifying professionals across Canada, the ACCT is a vital and integral force, representing all areas of the film and television industries.

For further information: Judy Lung, Communications Manager, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Ph: [phone] ext 238, E-mail: [email protected]