Oscars show to include a tribute to James Bond

LOS ANGELES - Agence France-Presse

The 1964 Bond film ‘Goldfinger,’ starring Sean Connery, won an Oscar for best effects and sound effects.

The 2013 Oscars show will include a tribute to the James Bond movie franchise, celebrating its 50th anniversary with the record-breaking blockbuster “Skyfall,” organizers has said.

Over the decades a number of 007 films have been nominated for the coveted golden statuettes, albeit generally in technical or minor categories, and there has been talk that “Skyfall” could draw another nod or two. But in any case Britain’s most famous spy is guaranteed a turn in the Oscars spotlight at the 85th Academy Awards show on Feb. 24.

“We are very happy to include a special sequence on our show saluting the Bond films on their 50th birthday,” said the show’s producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “Starting with ‘Dr. No’ back in 1962, the 007 movies have become the longest-running motion picture franchise in history and a beloved global phenomenon,” they added in a statement.

100 million pounds

“Skyfall,” the 23rd official 007 film and the third starring Daniel Craig, last month became the first movie ever to take 100 million pounds ($160 million) at the British box office. Globally it has taken more than $1 billion.

The latest Bond film, by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, this week became the first 007 movie to make it onto the shortlist of best film nominees of the Producers Guild of America (PGA).

It joined already Oscar-tipped films like Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and Iran spy drama “Argo.” The PGA top prize winner has gone on to the win the Best Picture Oscar 16 times in the last 23 years, the Hollywood Reporter noted. Few expect “Skyfall” to win any major Oscar prizes. But there has been speculation notably that it could secure a Best Song nod for British songstress Adele’s theme tune, when nominees are announced on Jan. 10.

The 1964 film “Goldfinger” won an Oscar for best effects and sound effects, while the following year “Thunderball” won for best effects and special visual effects.