Watching the Oscars this past Sunday has inspired me to take
a break from my normal series on the Bible and supernatural and have a little
fun: I decided to imagine which Oscars I would award to various books.
Now obviously books create a very large category, and I
could narrow it down in many ways. Since this blog focuses on science fiction
and fantasy, especially for Christians, I decided to create my list around
that. So here’s my current “Academy Awards” list, with a few adaptations, for
current Christian speculative novels:
Male Protagonist (Leading Actor)
Kieran, The Restorer’s
Son by Sharon Hinck. This memorable character brings the page the right
combination of strength and tenderness, flaws and virtue. And I’m pretty sure
most would say his rugged good looks don’t hurt either. :o)
Male Secondary Character (Supporting Actor)
Albert, The Prophet,
the Shepherd, and the Star by Jenny Cote. This big, Irish scaredy cat
wouldn’t be considered the brightest bulb in the box, but his lovable manner,
his huge appetite, and unwitting wisdom brings humor and insight at the most
unexpected of times, providing the perfect complement to his more serious cast
members.
Female Protagonist (Leading Actress)
Firebird, Firebird by
Kathy Tyers. This spunky character, much like Wonder Woman, combines strength
with femininity. She is smart, skillful, and artistic, yet vulnerable in all
the right ways. She asks a lot of hard questions, but when she finds the truth,
she embraces it with her whole being.
Female Secondary Character (Supporting Actress)
Book for Readers Under 14 (Animated Feature Film)
The Dreamer, The
Schemer and the Robe by Jenny L. Cote. This retelling of the Joseph story,
mainly through the eyes of animals, brings to life this familiar Bible story
with plenty of humor and intrigue.
Description (Cinematography)
Undercurrent by
Michelle Griep. Her turn of phrase, whether about a person or place, are both
vivid and memorable.
Clothing (Costume Design)
Failstate by John
Otte. Because every good superhero has to have a good costume. . .
Makeup and Hairstyling
Secret of the Swamp
King by Jonathan Rogers. Let’s face it; the wild feechiefolk who live in
the swamp are going to need an extra layer or two…
Original Score
Firebird by Kathy
Tyers. What can I say? The chapters even have musical headings.
Original Song
“Day of the One,” The
Deliverer by Sharon Hinck. Haunting and beautiful.
Setting (Production Design)
The Opposite of Art
by Athol Dickson. Although this covers a multitude of locations, each place is
vivid and real both due to the setting at large and the props within each
location.
Narrator Voice (Sound Editing)
Ultraviolet by
R.J. Anderson. Written about a synesthete, where things like sounds take on
visual representation, Ultraviolet
creates a very unique voice as she tells the story.
Dialogue (Sound Mixing)
DragonSpell by
Donita K. Paul. With quotable lines like, “I like questing generally speaking,
expect for the uncomfortableness of it all,” and character voices so distinct
that you know exactly who is speaking, dialogue doesn’t get much better than
this.
Visual Effects
Circles of Seven by
Bryan Davis. Excaliber. A boy who breathes fire. A girl with dragon wings. A
land seemingly inhabited by ghosts (characters whom your hand passes through).
Just to name a few. Yeah, the special effects are amazing…
Novel Based On Another Story (Adapted Screenplay)
Waking Beauty by
Sarah Morin. This “retelling” of the Sleeping Beauty legend is unexpected yet
true to the original, bringing extra dimension to the story and characters you
always thought you knew.
Unique Story (Original Screenplay)
A Little Taste of
Poison by R. J. Anderson combines a fantasy world with a mystery plot,
populated by memorable characters and seasoned well with humor.
Best Picture
Impossible to choose!
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