The Piano(La Leçon de piano)
Austalia/New Zealand/France (1993): Drama/Romance
Jane Campion's The Piano struck a deep chord (if you'll excuse the expression) with audiences in 1993, who were mesmerized by the film's rich, dreamlike imagery. It is the story of a Scottish woman named Ada (Holly Hunter), who has been mute since age 6 because she simply chose not to speak. Ada travels with her daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) and her beloved piano to a remote spot on the coast of New Zealand for an arranged marriage to a farmer (Sam Neill). She gives piano lessons to a gruff neighbor (Harvey Keitel) who has Maori tattoos on his face, and, well, things develop from there. The picture takes on a powerful dream logic that simply defies synopsis. It's a breathtakingly beautiful and original achievement from Campion, a unique stylist. (Jim Emerson, Amazon.com)
8 nominations, 3 Awards
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1993: Holly Hunter
· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role 1993: Anna Paquin
· Best Achievement in Writing - Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen 1993: Jane Campion
· Best Picture of the Year 1993: Jan Chapman - Producer (Jan Chapman & CIBY 2000/Miramax)
· Achievement in Directing 1993: Jane Campion
· Achievement in Cinematography 1993: Stuart Dryburgh
· Achievement in Costume Design 1993: Janet Patterson
· Achievement in Film Editing 1993: Veronika Jenet