In an unusual turn of events, the British film "Atonement" was named one of five Best Picture choices, but Oscar snubbed its director and most of its stars. The only performance cited was that of newcomer Saoirse Ronan, seen here with James McAvoy in a scene from the movie.
British director Joe Wright, right, pictured with his "Atonement" stars James McAvoy, left, and Keira Knightley, also directed the 2005 movie "Pride & Prejudice." He is the only director of a Best Picture nominee to be snubbed in the directing category.
Actress Keira Knightley, pictured on the press line at the Los Angeles premiere of "Atonement" Dec. 6, 2007, also starred in Wright's "Pride & Prejudice." She earned both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for that role but only a Golden Globe nod for "Atonement."
Scottish actor James McAvoy, pictured with co-star Keira Knightley at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 10, 2007, came to the attention of U.S. audiences as the young doctor in last year's "Last King of Scotland."
Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, pictured in a scene from the movie, also earned a Golden Globe and a BAFTA nomination for her role. The 13-year-old actress is the daughter of actor Paul Ronan.
The movie also stars veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave, right, pictured with Keira Knightley, left and Saoirse Ronan at the Los Angeles premiere on Dec. 6, 2007. Redgrave plays an older version of Briony Tallis, Ronan's character. Romola Garai is the third actress to play Briony in the movie.
Keira Knightley and James McAvoy are pictured in a scene from the movie, which earned Oscar nominations for art direction, original score, costume design, adapted screenplay and cinematography, in addition to the Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress nods.
Women around the world are salivating over the drop-dead gorgeous emerald-green gown worn by Keira Knightley in a pivotal scene in "Atonement." The slinky backless dress is a perfect blend of 1930's chic and 21st century sensibility. Knightley herself found it "just stunning."
The period romance may also inspire a revival of hair jewelry. The movie's star, Keira Knightley, kept up the 1930s look at a screening of the film at the 64th Venice Film Festival on Aug. 29, 2007.
The movie is based on a novel by author Ian McEwan, seen here near his home in north central London on Feb. 8, 2005.