Atlanta, GA (1888PressRelease)
June 01, 2009 - Choreographer Longinus Fernandes, represented by Xcel Talent Agency of Atlanta, is nominated for The 2009Astaire Award for Best Film Choreographer for his work in the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire.
Fernandes, a dancer turned choreographer, has worked on numerous Hindi films and the top dance reality television show “Jhalak Dikhla Ja.” He received The Best Choreographer Award at The 2009 Filmfare Awards for his work in the movie Papu Can’t Dance. His contributions to the Indian dance industry have earned him a spot as one of India’s top choreographers and helped him to land the role as choreographer for Slumdog. Fernandes was personally selected by the film’s director, Danny Boyle. “Amar Butala, who I had earlier worked with, recommended me to Danny. I went prepared but all Danny saw was one of my previous works, and I was on,” Fernandes said.
Slumdog Millionaire, the rags-to-riches story of an orphan from Mumbai, features two works from the choreographer. Fernandes was thrilled to be given the opportunity to choreograph to “O Saaya” and “Jai Ho,” both by the acclaimed Indian composer A.R. Rahman. “Jai Ho,” which plays during the final credits of the film, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film also won Oscars for Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Considered one of the most prestigious honors in the dance industry, the Astaire Awards were established in 1983 in honor of the contributions Fred and his sister Adele Astaire made to the dance industry. The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in dance choreography and performance for both Broadway and film. Past winners for the best choreography category have included ballet great George Balanchine, Bob Fosse, and, most recently, Tommy Tune. Fernandes is ecstatic to be nominated for the award, which has honored the biggest names in the history of dance.
Fernandes is represented by Xcel Talent Agency in Atlanta, GA. For more information on Fernandes, please contact:
Booking Info:
XCEL Talent Agency LLC
Dancers | Choreographers | Actors
P.O Box 191731
Atlanta, GA 31119
Ph: 404-808-6546
Fax: 404-634-6909
aris ( @ ) xceltalent dot com
Contact Information:
Xcel Talent Agency
Kasey Davage
919.609.0585
info ( @ ) xceltalent dot com
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