Minghella-Pollack film eyes Oscar run

Weinsteins plan December release for 'Reader'

By VARIETY STAFF

The last film produced by the late Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack is looking for a December date. After a successful screening in New York of "The Reader," the Weinstein Co. has decided to release the film for Oscar contention this year. The film stars Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes and was directed by Stephen Daldry.

Given the deaths earlier this year of Minghella and Pollack, there was speculation that the film might face a delay. Scott Rudin, the co-producer, already has two films coming out later this year -- "Revolutionary Road" and "Doubt."

However, given the strong reaction to the test screening, the Weinstein Co. has decided to go full throttle on securing a release date and mobilizing the marketing materials.