HOLLYWOOD -- Montreal filmmaker Denys Arcand may be a favourite for an Oscar for The Barbarian Invasions, but he is trying to leave the impression that he doesn't care.

"This film is at the end of its run now," Arcand said on arrival at a swank afternoon party yesterday for the Canadian contingent at this year's Oscars. "So it doesn't mean as much to me now. I won in France a week ago (he took three Caesars, the French Oscar, because his film is a France-Canada co-production). So, if it comes, it comes. If it does not, that's okay."

The party was hosted by Colin Robertson, Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles, and Maureen Boyd at their official residence in a tony section of Los Angeles, just a few minutes drive from the Kodak Theatre, home to Oscar. Attending were key Canadian filmmakers, including veterans Norman Jewison and Arthur Hiller and young lions such as David Cronenberg, plus Nia Vardalos, actor-director Adam Reid and newly wedded Sandra Oh. Yummy food was washed down with Quebec beer from Unibroue. Costumed Cirque du Soleil performers mingled throughout.

Arcand is double nominated for The Barbarian Invasions, one for best foreign language film and one for best original screenplay. Of the two, Arcand says the screenplay nomination is tops because it was voted in by his peers, other screenwriters. "That to me is very precious."

Jewison is convinced that Arcand will win at least one, most likely in the foreign category. "I just have a sense."

Denise Robert, Arcand's life partner and his ace co-producer, said she feels emotional about what has happened: "We're overwhelmed by all these accolades. It's really been a tremendous treasure, the whole journey up to now." Added Arcand mischievously: "Well, she said it all!"


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