Famed Arsenal supporter Nick Hornby could be celebrating something in March even if the Gunners title credentials appear in tatters following their crushing home defeat against Manchester United. The author of fan favourite Fever Pitch, has been nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for his work on An Education, which is currently earning rave reviews in the mainstream media.
The novelist, who had previously adapted his own story of Arsenal fanaticism for the big screen, has been praised for his reworking of Lynn Barber’s novel which focuses on the rites-of-passage of a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London.
Carey Mulligan who plays lead character Jenny has also been nominated for Best Actress while the film goes head-to-head with blockbusters including Avatar, District 9 and Inglourious Basterds for the Best Picture gong.
Speaking about the nomination the life-long Gunner revealed:
"I don't think we have any real chance of winning anything, best picture obviously, there's no chance whatsoever.
"But it is amazing to be in that company.
"I hope we win a couple of Baftas.”
Joking about the news of his nomination in the aftermath of Arsenal’s defeat on Sunday, Hornby continued:
“I am thrilled and proud to be an Oscar nominee. It almost makes up for Arsenal’s dismal performance on Sunday.”
Hornby faces stiff competition in his category with the screenplays for In the Loop, District 9, Precious and Up in the Air all also nominated. Arsenal meanwhile face stiff competition to stay in the Premier League title chase with fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool the next two challenges for Arsene Wenger.