Anika Noni Rose

2010 Oscar Nominations Leaked !?!

It’s a possibility. ABC might have gotten Oscar happy and prematurely announced several stars in contention for the coveted accolade.

Jeff Bridges received his first Golden Globe for his role as washed-up country singer Bad Blake in “Crazy Heart,” and he’s nominated for an Oscar.
Feb 01, 2010 11:38 AM Image from Entertainment ABCNEWS (syndicate)

Penelope Cruz showed off her acrobatic skills in the film “Nine,” a role that garnered her an Oscar nomination in the best supporting actress category.
Feb 01, 2010 11:39 AM Image from Entertainment ABCNEWS (syndicate)

Gabourey Sidibe was new to the big screen when she debuted in “Precious,” but has already garnered worldwide praise, and now an Oscar nomination for her role in the film as Claireece Precious Jones.
Feb 01, 2010 11:48 AM Image from Entertainment ABCNEWS (syndicate)

Princess Tiana, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, right, is shown with frog Prince Naveen, voiced by Bruno Campos, in a scene from the Oscar-nominated animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.”

NY Mag did a simple search on the network’s website using the word “Oscar” and found the above mentions. The entries have since disappeared from the site, but not before yours truly nabbed the info above.

Disneys’ “The Princess And The Frog”

Oh this looks fantastic! Disneys “The Princess and the Frog” is an animated family feature film loosely based on E.D. Baker’s novel “The Frog Princess” and the Grimm brothers’ “The Frog Prince.” Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a prince named Naveen from the land of Maldonia is transformed into a frog by the evil scheming voodoo magician Dr. Facilier. The frog prince mistakes a girl named Tiana for a princess and has her kiss him to break the spell. While the kiss doesn’t break the spell, it instead turns Tiana into a frog, too. Together, the two of them must reach the good voodoo priestess of the Bayou, Mama Odie, while befriending a trumpet-playing alligator and a hopelessly romantic firefly along the way. The film will open in limited release in New York and Los Angeles on November 25th before expanding into wide release on December 11th.

The film’s soundtrack “The Princess and the Frog: Original Songs and Score” will be released November 23rd. It contains seven instrumental pieces and ten original songs, including the pop theme song “Never Knew I Needed” contributed by Ne-Yo. The music video for the song is directed by Melina and will premiere online in the near future. Four time Grammy Award Winning composer Randy Newman also composed and directed the rest of the songs on the album.

Anika Noni Rose (the voice of Princess Tiana) and Walt Disney Pictures is giving fans an early treat with a sneak peak of the soundtrack to “The Princess and the Frog.” Watch the exclusive featurette above to hear some of the movies’ music and to learn why Princess Tiana’s song will set her apart from past princesses. You can also listen to exclusive snippets from the soundtrack here, then head on over to Amazon to preorder your copy of what will surely be one of the years best movie soundtracks.

There’s no way this won’t be an awesome movie and a beautiful soundtrack. The feeling I get anticipating this film and seeing the warmth put into it is indescribable. This is what Disney is all about.