UPDATE: WINNER!! Moments after posting this, the Oscar went to Freeheld! Congratulations Cynthia, and all those fighting for equality and the freedom to marry!
Nominated for Best Documentary Short, Freeheld, for those who don't know, chronicles one of the most courageous struggles we have ever witnessed, one that galvanized the progressive GLBT and straight communities in New Jersey.
Alternating from packed public demonstrations at the county courthouse to quiet, tender moments of Laurel and Stacie at home, "Freeheld" combines tension-filled political drama with personal detail, creating a nuanced study of a grassroots fight for justice.
Yesterday, my co-host and I on Blue Jersey Radio had the chance to interview the film's director, Cynthia Wade. For an insider's peak at how politics and film can be intertwined, have a listen.
Whether the Oscar goes to this deserving film, we won't know for a little while longer (it's 11pm now, so we're close!). But, Laurel Hester will always be a winner in the hearts of New Jersey progressives, as will Director Cynthia Wade for capturing it all. Hope you can join us, but if you miss the live show, you can click our fancy logo to listen to the archived version of this or any of our shows.