Will the envelope contain a love letter?

Published on February 2, 2008

Action drama "Chaiya" comes in a close second with 12 of a possible 15 nominations.

The winners will be announced on February 17 at the Siam Niramit Theatre on Bangkok's Thiamruammit Road, close to the Thailand Cultural Centre.

Sinjai is competing against veteran actresses Lalita Sasiprapha for "Ploy", Marsha Wattanapanich for "Faed" ("Alone"), Woranuch Wongsawan for "Perng Mang Klong Phee Nung Manut" ("The Haunted Drum") and Suwajanee Chaimusik for "Yungngai Kor Rak" ("Seven Days to Leave My Wife").

Poj Anon's gay romantic crime thriller "Puen Koo Rak Mueng Wa ("Bangkok Love Story") is the biggest surprise of this year's awards, winning a massive eight nominations, while nine has proved a lucky number for the psychological horror "Body Sop #19" ("Body #19"), which is competing with "Love of Siam" for Best Picture and Best Screenplay.

"The Haunted Drum", which bombed at the box office, earns six nominations along with "Faed" ("Alone") and Pen-ek Ratanaruang's subtle drama "Ploy". Pen-ek, who has yet to be recognised for his skills behind the camera, is once again nominated for Best Director.

As the Thai film awards do not have a documentary film category, the portrayal of Thai students as they prepare for the crucial university entrance examination in GTH's "365 Wan Tam Tid Cheewit Dek Ent" ("Final Score") has been included in the Best Picture nominations. It also picked up another two nods, including one for Best Director. Animation "The Life of Buddha" and "Opapatika" also have three nominations apiece.

Kittikorn Liawsirikul's Bangkok bus adventure, thought to be a shoo-in, didn't get any nominations despite being hailed as a return to form for Kittikorn after his award winning "Goal Club."

The host of the Subhanahongsa Awards, the Federation of Film Associations of Thailand, is again working hard to restore the reputation of this national event. This year, they are welcoming big-name fashion boutiques to sponsor the nominators as well as bringing the ceremony back to Bangkok after holding it in Phang-Nga and Nakhon Ratchasima. Guests will be carefully selected, and to avoid stirring up controversy, rules have been set on attire. Last year, one young actress drew criticism for an ultra-sexy gown.

Two years ago, the awards came under fire when the Best Actress award was given to Nawarat Techaratanaprasert, the young daughter of then federation president Somsak. The ensuing scandal caused some film companies to split from the federation.

For the complete list of nominations, visit Nationmultimedia.com/entertainment.

Parinyaporn Pajee

The Nation