The Golden Pointe Awards:
Ballet & Dance in Film
Ladies and gentlemen, ballet aficionados and dance enthusiasts, welcome to the first annual Golden Pointe Awards! Our nominees have pirouetted their way into our hearts, leaping from the silver screen into ballet and dance legend. Celebrate the glitz, glamour, and pointed toes of cinema’s finest ballet and dance films by casting your vote today. Grab your popcorn (or perhaps a more elegant canapé) and join us as we honor the best in ballet and dance on film!
Best Ballet Movie
Nominees:
Black Swan (2010): A psychological thriller that delves deep into the world of ballet, driven by a stellar performance by Natalie Portman.
Center Stage (2000): A dramatic portrayal of the trials and triumphs of young dancers at a prestigious ballet academy.
The Red Shoes (1948): A classic that combines stunning visuals with a compelling story, making it a timeless ballet film.
The Turning Point (1977): A poignant exploration of the sacrifices and rewards of a life in ballet, featuring unforgettable performances by Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft.
Mao’s Last Dancer (2009): An inspiring true story of a dancer’s journey from rural China to international stardom.
White Nights (1985): An exhilarating blend of ballet and tap, featuring the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines.
Best Dance Movie
Nominees:
Dirty Dancing (1987): Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey deliver iconic performances in this romantic dance drama that has become a cultural phenomenon.
All That Jazz (1979): Bob Fosse’s semi-autobiographical musical showcases his signature choreography and direction, creating a dazzling cinematic experience.
Footloose (1984): Kevin Bacon stars in this high-energy film about a small town where dancing is banned, featuring unforgettable dance sequences.
An American in Paris (1951): Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron star in this vibrant musical, blending ballet and classic dance in an unforgettable Parisian setting.
Flashdance (1983): Jennifer Beals stars in this iconic dance film that combines street dance and ballet, featuring electrifying dance sequences.
Fame (1980): This film follows the lives of several students at a performing arts high school in New York City, showcasing a blend of dance styles and the struggles and triumphs of young dancers.
Top Hat (1935): Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this film is a pinnacle of Hollywood’s Golden Age, showcasing unforgettable dance sequences and charming musical numbers.
Grease (1978): Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta lead an electrifying cast in this high-energy musical, where dance fuels the romance and nostalgia of the ’50s.
Chicago (2002): Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere shine in this sultry, jazz-infused musical, blending sharp choreography with a gripping tale of fame and ambition.
La La Land (2016): Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling light up the screen in this modern-day musical, blending jazz, romance, and dazzling choreography into a love letter to Hollywood and dreams.
Best Pas de Deux
Nominees:
The Nicholas Brothers, Stormy Weather, “Jumpin’ Jive”: a tour de force of rhythm, athleticism, and sheer virtuosity. Their gravity-defying leaps, razor-sharp timing, and unparalleled synchronicity deliver a jaw-dropping routine that remains one of the most iconic moments in cinematic dance history.
Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire, Funny Face, “He Loves and She Loves”: This duet is a masterclass in elegance and romantic storytelling. Their effortless chemistry and graceful movements create a mesmerizing sequence that blends Astaire’s timeless sophistication with Hepburn’s ethereal charm.
Jennifer Grey & Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing, “The Time Of My Life”: The flawless execution of the iconic lift combined with their magnetic chemistry enables this reshanowned duet to transcend the screen, embodying the joy and liberation of dance.
Deborah Kerr & Yul Brynner, The King & I, “Shall We Dance”: Their sweeping waltz, marked by Kerr’s grace and Brynner’s commanding presence, creates a deeply emotional and visually moving duet.
Leslie Grace & Corey Hawkins, In the Heights, “When the Sun Goes Down”: Set against a starry night backdrop, this partnership turns a fire escape into a stage for love and dreams. The cinematic optics that bending the laws of physics give way for innovative partnering possibilities and offer a alternative perspective on their relationship.
Zendaya & Zac Efron, The Greatest Showman, “Rewrite the Stars”: Suspended in a mesmerizing aerial routine, their breathtaking portrayal of passion, athleticism, and storytelling brings this duet to life.
Best Performance by a Female Dancer
Nominees:
Natalie Portman in Black Swan: Transforming from innocent ingenue to unhinged swan queen, Natalie Portman’s performance in Black Swan is a chilling tour de force. With impeccable technique and raw emotion, Portman captivates us as she descends into madness.
Claire Bloom in Limelight: Claire Bloom’s delicate and touching portrayal of a young ballerina in Charlie Chaplin’s Limelight captures the struggles and triumphs of a dancer’s life with poignant elegance.
Julie Kent in Dancers: As one of America’s most celebrated ballerinas, Julie Kent’s performance in Dancers showcases her extraordinary talent and emotional depth, bringing the character and the art of ballet to life on screen.
Leslie Caron in An American in Paris: Leslie Caron’s enchanting performance, combined with her impeccable dance skills, brings elegance and charm to the vibrant musical, making her a standout in the ballet world.
Vera-Ellen in White Christmas: Vera-Ellen’s stunning dance performances and elegant presence bring a magical touch to this holiday classic.
Misty Copeland in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: Copeland plays the lead ballerina in the film’s first ballet sequence, telling the story of how the 4 realms were discovered. She shot her scenes in 1 week with no retakes.
Best Performance by a Male Dancer
Nominees:
Fred Astaire in Top Hat: Fred Astaire’s impeccable timing, graceful movements, and charismatic presence in Top Hat set the gold standard for dance performances in cinema.
Gene Kelly in An American in Paris: Gene Kelly’s energetic and innovative dance style in An American in Paris showcases his unparalleled talent and creativity, making it a timeless classic.
Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing: Swayze’s blend of ballroom and contemporary dance in Dirty Dancing captivates audiences and highlights his versatility and charm as a dancer.
Mikhail Baryshnikov in White Nights: Baryshnikov’s extraordinary ballet technique and expressive performance in White Nights solidify his status as one of the greatest dancers of all time.
Gregory Hines in White Nights: Hines’s tap dance sequences in White Nights are electrifying, showcasing his incredible rhythm, precision, and dynamic stage presence.
Kevin Bacon in Footloose: Bacon’s high-energy dance sequences in Footloose reflect the rebellious spirit of the film and have become iconic moments in dance cinema.
Best Choreography
Nominees:
Bob Fosse for All That Jazz: Fosse’s signature style is on full display in this semi-autobiographical musical. The precision, sensuality, and innovation of his choreography set a high bar for dance on film.
Kenny Ortega for Dirty Dancing: Who can forget the iconic lift in the final dance scene? Ortega’s choreography blends passion, romance, and perfectly timed movements that have become legendary.
Herbert Ross for Footloose: The high-energy dance sequences, from warehouse solos to joyous group dances, reflect the rebellious spirit and infectious fun of the film. Ross’s choreography gets everyone wanting to kick off their Sunday shoes.
Michael Kidd for White Christmas: Kidd’s choreography for this beloved holiday film blends classic dance styles with festive cheer, creating memorable and enchanting dance sequences.
Fred Astaire and Hermes Pan for Top Hat: This dynamic duo created some of the most memorable and intricate dance sequences in film history, with their work in Top Hat setting the gold standard for dance choreography in cinema.
Twyla Tharp for White Nights: Mixing classical ballet with contemporary movement, her work captures an interplay of physical precision and raw energy. Tharp’s choreography transforms even the simplest gestures into a visceral experience.
Best Dance Sequence
Nominees:
“The Dance of the Cygnets” from Billy Elliot: Young Billy’s breakout performance is a high-energy, emotionally charged dance that embodies the spirit of rebellion and self-discovery. It’s a tap-dancing triumph that had audiences cheering.
“The Audition” from The Turning Point: The tension and artistry of the audition scene showcase the pinnacle of ballet performance, blending technical prowess with heart-wrenching emotion.
“The Final Dance” from White Nights: Featuring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines, this electrifying sequence merges classical ballet with tap dance, creating a powerful and memorable performance that highlights the unique talents of both dancers.
“Another Day of Sun” La La Land opening sequence: Featuring 30 professional dancers and over 100 extras, this scene was shot on-location over 2 days on a closed freeway ramp in L.A.. Choreographer Mandy Moore & director Damien Chazelle mapped out the detailed and acutely planned camera angles following performers in, out, and over parked vehicles on paper and then via 3D model ramp. The dancers rehearsed in a parking lot and then on the freeway at 3am.
“Disqualified at the Finals” from Strictly Ballroom (1992): A Baz Luhrmann romantic comedy, the film stars Paul Mercurio as professional ballroom dancer Scott Hastings, eager to earn respect for his decidedly unorthodox moves. In this final performance, he and his partner are sabotaged as their music is cut and they are made to dance the paso doble using their own internal rhythm.
“Mambo” from West Side Story (1961): Choreographer Jerome Robbins essentially invents the street break-dance battle 20 years ahead of schedule with the face-off between the Jets and Sharks, the groups trading 16-bar segments instead of blows. Amidst the chaos, our Romeo and Juliet (Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood) single one another out and share the special kind of privacy one can only find in a crowd of hectic dancers.
Best Ensemble Cast
Nominees:
Center Stage (2000): This film’s ensemble cast of aspiring dancers navigating the cutthroat world of a ballet academy brings authenticity and charm to the screen. The chemistry among the cast and their genuine dance talent create a vibrant and engaging narrative.
Step Up (2006): Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan lead a dynamic ensemble of street dancers and classical ballet students, merging two worlds in a high-energy dance extravaganza. The diverse cast and electrifying dance numbers make it a fan favorite.
Mao’s Last Dancer (2009): The incredible true story of Li Cunxin is brought to life by a talented cast that includes Chi Cao, Amanda Schull, and Bruce Greenwood. Their performances capture the emotional and cultural journey of a dancer from rural China to international stardom.
White Christmas (1954): Featuring a stellar cast including Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, this holiday classic blends dance, music, and romance in a captivating winter wonderland.
Wicked (2024): The Ozian dancers bring this magical world to life with intention and heart. Their compelling performances breathe fresh energy into the iconic tale, blending intricate choreography, and visionary storytelling to create a spellbinding cinematic experience.
An American in Paris (1951): The supporting cast dazzles audiences with elegance and charm, seamlessly melding ballet and jazz with a broadway flare. The ease with which they transport audiences to the vibrant Parian backdrop, makes every scene a visual delight.
Vote Now for the Golden Pointe Awards!
Click the link above to cast your ballot and help decide the winners of the first annual Golden Pointe Awards! Celebrate the finest ballet and dance films that have graced the silver screen.
Winners will be announced on the night of the 97th annual Academy Awards—don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard in this dazzling celebration of ballet in cinema!
