By Monika Scislowska
WARSAW, Poland (AP) --Poland's politicians and filmmakers rejoiced Monday over the nation's first ever foreign language movie Oscar for "Ida," seeing it as a sign of the country's cinematography coming of age.
President Bronislaw Komorowski said the award was a "source of satisfaction for all Poles" and proof that democratic Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive country, with "valuable things to offer to the world."
It was the first foreign language Oscar for Poland despite nine previous nominations and a rich history of filmmaking, including by renowned directors like Andrzej Wajda who received an honorary Oscar in 2000, and Roman Polanski, who won an Oscar in 2003 for directing "The Pianist."
"This is a beautiful day for me. It shows that after many difficult years Poland's cinematography is back on its feet. I wanted to live to see this day," the 88-year-old Wajda said.
Polish-British director Pawel Pawlikowski made "Ida" in black and white, using imagery of the 1960s. It plunges into World War II and the early years of communism, two dark chapters of Poland's history, via a young Catholic nun who discovers she is Jewish. It was one of the critical hits of 2014 in Europe and the U.S. Being so well known helped the movie win the Oscar, Polish critics said.
Polish 1993 Oscar-winning production designer Allan Starski said the country's filmmakers always aspired to the top ranks of world cinema.
"We were often very close, but we never won an Oscar (for a foreign movie.) This time we have an Oscar. This is a huge success," Starski said.
After years of a downturn following political and economic change, Polish cinema is getting momentum, also thanks to funding from the state Polish Film Institute, which helped finance "Ida."
The head of the Polish Filmmakers Association, Jacek Bromski, said the movie is "outstanding" and objective, which gave it universal appeal.
Speaking backstage, Pawlikowski said he believes the award will encourage other Polish directors to be original and bold.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakersโ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including โDeath of Mr. Peanut.โ He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose โFirst Kid. Second Kidโ campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. Heโs gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. Heโs accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
โMike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,โ said Goldberg. โMikeโs got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. Heโs got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what weโre about.โ
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