Two Oscar winners have Central Illinois' connections
Updated: February 26, 2013
CENTRAL ILLINOIS -- Two people with local connections celebrate awards after Hollywood's biggest night. Ang Lee won Best Director. He graduated from UI in 1980.
Brenda Chapman won for Best Animated Film. She directed "Brave," a film inspired by her daughter and others she knew growing up in Lincoln.
"What's exciting is that she did exceed so well but she's still just a great kind of small-town girl," said David Lanterman.
He grew up with Brenda Chapman. She graduated from Lincoln Community High School and Lincoln College. She then moved to California to start making movies. It's an honor everyone in the community is proud of.
Brenda Chapman won for Best Animated Film. She directed "Brave," a film inspired by her daughter and others she knew growing up in Lincoln.
"What's exciting is that she did exceed so well but she's still just a great kind of small-town girl," said David Lanterman.
He grew up with Brenda Chapman. She graduated from Lincoln Community High School and Lincoln College. She then moved to California to start making movies. It's an honor everyone in the community is proud of.
"It was just so exciting to see her get the recognition for all the hard work she's done for the past seven years," said Lanterman.
"I almost had tears, for her and for her daughter cause it's really their story," said Debbie Ackerman.
She went to school with Chapman. Shortly after receiving her award, another Central Illinois filmmaker was recognized.
"I almost had tears, for her and for her daughter cause it's really their story," said Debbie Ackerman.
She went to school with Chapman. Shortly after receiving her award, another Central Illinois filmmaker was recognized.
"I can't say I thought he was a genius, but he was clearly very talented, determined. Nicest guy in the world by the way," said Robert Graves. He taught Ang Lee at UI.
Lee can now call him himself a two-time Oscar winner. He won last night for directing "Life of Pi."
"I talked with him a couple of weeks ago. He didn't think he had much of a chance," said Graves.
"I talked with him a couple of weeks ago. He didn't think he had much of a chance," said Graves.
