February 2, 2006 – Received from the National Center for Transgender Equality
NCTE offers our congratulations to Felicity Huffman on her Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Huffman portrays Bree, a transwoman traveling across the country with her son, in the film Transamerica. (shown in photo)
?All across America, folks are talking about transgender people because of Felicity Huffman?s portrayal of Bree,? commented NCTE?s Executive Director, Mara Keisling. ?It helps raise consciousness that trans people exist, that we are parents, that we face the same joys and troubles as other people. This is the portrayal of one trans woman?s story and we?re glad it is out there.?
Huffman received a Golden Globe award earlier this year for her role in this critically acclaimed movie. In her acceptance speech, she said, ?I know as actors our job is usually to shed our skins but I think as people our job is to become who we really are. So I would like to salute the men and women who brave ostracization, alienation and a life lived on the margins to become who they really are.? Huffman worked with transgender consultants and coaches, wanting to be as accurate as possible in her portrayal.
Transamerica also received an Oscar nomination in another category for Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) for the song “Travelin’ Thru” written by Dolly Parton. The Oscars will air on Sunday, March 5.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) recently included Transamerica among their nominees for Outstanding Film (Limited Release) for the GLAAD Media Awards, to be held later this Spring.