The 2013 Oscars show will include a tribute to the James Bond movie franchise, celebrating its 50th anniversary with the record-breaking blockbuster Skyfall, organisers said Friday.
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 February 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.
Skyfall, the 23rd official 007 film and the third starring Daniel Craig, in December became the first movie ever to take $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. 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.