Zombie Chicken Awards!!

Yes I know the name seems rather strange but I am happy to announce that Clare from My Pride and Prejudice site has nominated us for a 'zombie chicken award' to recognise our contribution as a blog.

Taken from Clare's blog, 'The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.'

I have to say, I am not quite sure what that means but in response we thought it only right to make 5 of our own nominations; Linda, Icha and I have compiled the following list (in no particular order):

1. Jane Odiwe's website: http://www.janeodiwe.blogspot.com/

2. Ms Place's website: http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/

3. Caroline from Dregston: http://jarelated.blogspot.com/

4. Friend from Dregston, JaneGS: http://janegs.blogspot.com/

5. WilliamL from Pemberley: http://sharkubillspemberley.blogspot.com/

Comments are most welcome. Thanks again Clare for the nomination!

Pic 1: Melancholy Musings

Pic 2: Jane Odiwe's site

The 2009 Regency World Awards!

Thanks to Linda, here we have the 2009 Regency World Awards by Jane Austen Centre in Bath, UK!

Voting will continue up to the 30th of June after which time the link will be closed. There are seven awards and the winners will be announced and awards presented at a black tie dinner event at the Hilton Hotel in Bath on Wednesday July 8th 2009.

The interesting thing is, in addition to picking up the best (or favourite) actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, best adaptation, best JA-inspired book, etc, this year's Award also picks The Best Mr. Darcy EVER!

Well, am not really a fan of Mr. Darcy (I'm more of a Knightley/Brandon combo), but I was also happy to click one of the options, and keen to know who comes up the best! Though, perhaps the tally is a bit predictable anyway...

So, what are you waiting for Ladies and Gents? Click away!

Oh, and Happy Easter, everyone! May love, peace and harmony reign the Earth!

Pic: Lizzy playing piano, Darcy staring at her, poor girl...by C.E. Brook from Pemberley.com

Jane Austen Short Story Award 2009!

Chawton House Library has just announced a Jane Austen short story competition to celebrate 'the bicentenary of Jane Austen’s arrival in the Hampshire village of Chawton – where she spent the most productive years of her literary life'.

It looks really exciting! Here's part of the blurb from the Chawton House Library website:

Our intention is to publish the very best short fiction inspired by Jane Austen or Chawton House – a place she knew well.

We are looking for short stories of 2,000-2,500 words in length. The inspiration for your story can be taken from any theme in Jane Austen’s novels: it might even be a character or a single sentence that sets your creative juices flowing. Or perhaps your imagination will be fired by the Elizabethan mansion, Chawton House, where Jane Austen and her family often gathered, and now houses a rare collection of early women’s writing.

Stories can have a historical or a contemporary setting – anything goes as long as it is well written and you state on the entry form exactly what inspired you to write it.
...

First prize: £1,000. Two runners up: £200 each. All three finalists will also win a week’s writers’ retreat at Chawton House. Fifteen other shortlisted authors will receive £40 plus publication in the winners’ anthology.

The closing date for entries is the 31st March 2009.


What are you waiting for?! Head over to Chawton to download a PDF entry form and read the rules and regulation. :D

I have to say, I love the broad theme of the competition - it is so broad it tempts me to have a go ... inspiration taken from a theme, or a sentence, or the great house itself - I love that! I am not a fan-fiction person myself (sorry, no offense!!) so I'm very excited.

Pic: Chawton House viewed from the South Lawn from: Chawton House Library

Trivia Quiz ANSWERS

I posted a trivia quiz this time last week. I hope you all enjoyed it.

Here are the answers:

1. Of the following characters, who was fictional and who existed:

o Mrs Ann Radcliffe- REAL
o Mr Wisley- FICTIONAL (but based on the real Mr Bigg-Wither)
o Henry Austen- REAL
o Cousin Eliza de Feuillide- REAL
o Lady Gresham- FICTIONAL
o Benjamin Langlois- REAL

2. Which actor plays the character of Mr Wisley?

Laurence Fox

3. Which year did Mr George Austen (Jane’s father) die?

1805

4. Name Jane’s six novels in the order that they were published.

Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815), Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (both 1817)

5. What was the famous book that Tom gave to Jane in the library and told her to read?

Tom Jones by Henry Fielding

6. At the end of the film when she is reading an extract from one of her novels to the young Jane Lefroy, which novel is the extract from (clue: see post within the last week)?

Pride and Prejudice

7. Whilst at dinner with Tom’s uncle during their visit to London, Eliza describes how her husband was killed. Was he:- Hung- Guillotined- Missing, presumed dead- Drowned- Died of Cholera

Guillotined

8. What colour was the dress that Jane was wearing at the second ball when herself and Tom shared their first kiss?

Pale green

9. When Tom returns to Hampshire after news has broke that he is engaged to someone else, where does Jane learn that Mary, Tom’s new fiancé, is from in Ireland?

County Wexford

10. Which character from a Jane Austen novel is Lady Gresham supposedly modelled upon?

Lady Catherine from Pride and Prejudice

11. Which award did Becoming Jane win at the People’s Choice Awards?

Favourite Independent Movie

12. In the film, who sent the letter to the Judge telling him about Tom’s intentions to marry Jane and consequently ruining their chances of being together?

John Warren (friend of the Austen family)

13. What exactly does Tom say to Jane:- “I love you Jane, with all my heart and soul!”- “I'm yours, Jane, heart and soul!”- “You’re mine, Jane, heart and soul!”- “We are bound Jane, heart and soul!”

“I'm yours, Jane, heart and soul!”

14. When Tom arrives in Hampshire, Jane is reading a speech in celebration of which special event?

The engagement of her sister, Cassandra, to Thomas Fowle

15. What is Jane doing in the opening scene of the film?

Playing the piano

16. What does Jane read which prompts her to change her mind and return home to Steventon after Tom and herself had decided to elope?

A letter from Tom’s family thanking him for the money that he sent them on a regular basis

17. How did Jane communicate with her brother George?

Sign Language

18. What did George Austen (Jane’s father) do for a living?

Rector at Steventon parish

19. What was the name of the wood that Jane met Tom whilst they were both taking a walk?

Selbourne Wood

20. Which of Jane’s novels was influenced most by the work of Mrs Ann Radcliffe?

Northanger Abbey- due to its gothic nature

Pic 1: Jane and Tom

Pic 2: Jane Writing

Pic 3: Tom and Jane dancing

Pic 4: Jane Reading

Pic 5: Tom In Selbourne Wood

Pic 6: In Love

Trivia Quiz

I thought that it would be nice to do a 20-question trivia quiz for our faithful fans who love the film, Becoming Jane, as much as us.

Icha will be doing one of her more difficult, speciality set of questions (with prize) in commemoration of the death of Jane Austen on the anniversary date of 18th July.

Until then, I thought I would keep you occupied with this one.....Enjoy!

Answers will be posted this time next week.

1. Of the following characters, who was fictional and who existed:
- Mrs Ann Radcliffe
- Mr Wisley
- Henry Austen
- Cousin Eliza de Feuillide
- Lady Gresham
- Benjamin Langlois (Tom’s uncle)

2. Which actor plays the character of Mr Wisley?

3. Which year did Mr George Austen (Jane’s father) die?

4. Name Jane’s six novels in the order that they were published.

5. What was the famous book that Tom gave to Jane in the library and told her to read?

6. At the end of the film when she is reading an extract from one of her novels to the young Jane Lefroy, which novel is the extract from (clue: see post within the last week)?

7. Whilst at dinner with Tom’s uncle during their visit to London, Eliza describes how her husband was killed. Was he:
- Hung
- Guillotined
- Missing, presumed dead
- Drowned
- Died of Cholera

8. What colour was the dress that Jane was wearing at the second ball when herself and Tom shared their first kiss?

9. When Tom returns to Hampshire after news has broke that he is engaged to someone else, where does Jane learn that Mary, Tom’s new fiancé, is from in Ireland?

10. Which character from a Jane Austen novel is Lady Gresham supposedly modelled upon?

11. Which award did Becoming Jane win at the People’s Choice Awards?

12. In the film, who sent the letter to the Judge telling him about Tom’s intentions to marry Jane and consequently ruining their chances of being together?

13. What exactly does Tom say to Jane:
- “I love you Jane, with all my heart and soul!”
- “I'm yours, Jane, heart and soul!”
- “You’re mine, Jane, heart and soul!”
- “We are bound Jane, heart and soul!”

14. When Tom arrives in Hampshire, Jane is reading a speech in celebration of which special event?

15. What is Jane doing in the opening scene of the film?

16. What does Jane read which prompts her to change her mind and return home to Steventon after Tom and herself had decided to elope?

17. How did Jane communicate with her brother George?

18. What did George Austen (Jane’s father) do for a living?

19. What was the name of the wood that Jane met Tom whilst they were both taking a walk?

20. Which of Jane’s novels was influenced most by the work of Mrs Ann Radcliffe?

Pics taken from:

Anne Hathaway FanSite

and

US Official Becoming Jane Site

WINNERS: The Jane Austen Regency World Awards

The results for the Jane Austen Regency World Awards have been announced!!


You can see the results on The Giftshop Page kindly spotted by Linda but I am pleased to announce that Becoming Jane won:

Best New Film Award

Best Actor for James McAvoy

Best Acress for Anne Hathaway

It is clear from the site that other winners include:

Mr and Mrs Darcy by Alexandra Potter for Best New Fiction- click here for our review

Andrew Davies for The Outstanding Contribution Award

Pics: http://www.annie-hathaway.com/

Reminder: JA Regency World Awards and BJ Fansite 1st Anniversary

Dear ladies and gents,

I would like to kindly remind you all of the upcoming deadline of the Jane Austen Regency World Awards for the favourite actor, actress and film of 2007, which is this Saturday, 10 May 2008. If you have not voted for Becoming Jane, Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy, it's time to click this link and vote for our favourites!

In addition, the 1st anniversary of Becoming Jane Fansite is coming up this 24 May, the very date Jane Austen moved to Winchester with Cassandra in 1817, where less than two months later she would leave this world for good. Hence, to celebrate the 1st birthday of our fansite, I would like to ask the opinions of all of you, of what we can do. Some ideas are:

1. Vote for the most popular Becoming Jane music video so far (linked to YouTube) for we have at least a hundred of them out there

2. A fan-art exhibition. I don't think voting for the best one will do, for we have only but a few fan-arts floating around

3. Article submission from fans on the ever-hot topic of Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy (so far, only Mariana has been a regular contributor here outside the Team Jane; thanks, Mariana!)

Any more ideas? Please don't hesitate to drop a comment, and we shall try to accommodate it.

Jane Austen Regency World Awards

Ladies and Gents,

Thanks to Librarian Linda, I am aware of this interesting award launched by the Jane Austen Regency World as follows:

Vote for your favourite actor, actress and film of 2007 in the Jane Austen Regency World awards! In the seven categories the Awards recognise the contribution of the nominees in furthering the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the work of Jane Austen.

You can only make your vote online. Please vote here.

Voting will continue up to the 10th of May after which time this link will be closed.
The winners will be announced and awards presented at a black tie dinner event at the Hilton Hotel in Bath on 15th May 2008.

If you would like to attend the event, a limited number of tickets are available for purchase from the Jane Austen Centre online giftshop.

The Awards are sponsored by The Jane Austen Centre and Bath Aqua Glas.


So, what are you waiting for? Vote for Becoming Jane, Anne Hathaway, and James McAvoy!

Pic: Jane Austen Centre UK

James's acceptance speech on YouTube

Okay, while the miracle goes, and I have a bit of time (wooowww!), here's the YouTube version of James McAvoy's acceptance speech for People's Choice Award. Special thanks to Theresavs for uploading the video!



And yeah, you guys are right! His accent is juuuust too sexy!

James McAvoy's Acceptance Speech at the People's Choice Awards

A very big thank you to Jil for (sharing that sexy accent and) sending us the link to James McAvoy's acceptance speech for Becoming Jane, Favourite Independent Movie at the People's Choice Awards!

Scroll down half-way to stream the clip - that accent should come with a health warning attached, I think. ;)

Pic: James McAvoy from: People

Becoming Jane Triumphs at the People's Choice Awards!

A very big thank you to Mariana for alerting us that Becoming Jane won the People's Choice Award for Favourite Independent Movie, just over two hours ago! :-D A full list of the winners is available here.

I will update this post with James McAvoy's acceptance speech, when it's uploaded to YouTube. *fingers crossed*

Congratulations to the Becoming Jane cast and crew!

Pic: Becoming Jane from: The Observer

The People's Choice Awards

The People's Choice Awards is an annual show which recognises achievements in popular culture. It has been held for over 30 years and allows the general public to have their say.

We have been informed (thank you Sk Barn) that Becoming Jane is up for Favourite Independent Movie which is such an achievement and we are very happy. The competition for the award is Sicko (Michael Moore's latest work) and A Mighty Heart (starring Angelina Jolie).


If you would like to help Becoming Jane win this award,

VOTE HERE

Thank you!


Pic: Anne Hathaway

Becoming Jane receives 'Truly Moving Pictures' Award!

BJ lovers, another news I just got from Wikipedia: Becoming Jane just received the Truly Moving Picture Award. It means that the Heartland Truly Moving Pictures recognizes Becoming Jane as a movie that 'can move you to laughter, to tears, to make a difference. These films offer heartfelt visions of life that are as hopeful as they are entertaining.' Sounds very much like Becoming Jane. By the way, there are precedents that movies awarded with the Truly Moving Picture Award later on were nominated or received the Oscar. So here's to the hope that Becoming Jane will line herself in the Oscar nominations, at the very least.

http://www.trulymovingpictures.org/movie-view.aspx?id=361

Below is the explanation from TMP website:

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit organization, recognizes and honors filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life.

Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, Indiana, screening independent films from around the world. Every year, the Festival awards $200,000 in cash prizes and presents its Crystal Heart Awards to the Festival's top-judged submissions. Heartland has awarded more than $1.6 million to support filmmakers during the last 16 years.

The Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award was created to honor films released theatrically that align with Heartland’s mission. By bestowing a watermark to honored films, the award allows studios and distributors to inform potential audiences of a film's uplifting message and appeal. Submissions are received directly from studios and producers for consideration. The award is given prior to the film's release with the goal of encouraging moviegoers to support the film, especially on opening weekend.

What is a Truly Moving Picture Award winner?

It is a film that unlocks the vast potential of the human spirit and enables us to view stories that display courage, integrity and hope, taking entertainment to a higher level.

A Truly Moving Picture Award winner can move you to laughter, to tears,
to make a difference.
These films offer heartfelt visions of life that are as hopeful as they are entertaining.

Heartland knows filmmaking requires a leap of faith. That's why Heartland created the Truly Moving Picture Award, to honor the best of these works and to provide an incentive for studios to make more movies that have an uplifting message.