Choreographer Longinus Fernandes Wins 2009 Astaire Award for Best Choreographer
Bollywood choreographer joins the dance industry greats with his win as best film choreographer at the 2009 Astaire Awards.


ATLANTA, GA, June 11, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Bollywood choreographer Longinus Fernandes, represented by Xcel Talent Agency of Atlanta, has been named Best Film Choreographer by the 2009Astaire Awards for his work in the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire.

Fernandes beat out nominees Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia), Aakomon Jones (Center Stage: Turn it Up), Tracy Phillips (Make It Happen), Patrick de Bana and Pedro Gomes (Fados), Todd Underwood (Were the World Mine), and Kenny Ortega (High School Musical). "It is indeed an honor to be placed amongst the best in the business in this particular form of art and by winning this prestigious award I would like to thank the Jury members, the Astaire Committee and all of those who have been supportive towards me around the world. I would also like to thank Mr.Danny Boyle for entrusting his faith in me and believing in my thoughts throughout the entire film and specially while filming the song Jai Ho," says Longinus.

Slumdog Millionaire, the rags-to-riches story of an orphan from Mumbai, features two works from the choreographer. Fernandes was thrilled to be given the opportunity to choreograph to "O Saaya" and "Jai Ho," both by the acclaimed Indian composer A.R. Rahman. "Jai Ho," which plays during the final credits of the film, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film also won Oscars for Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Astaire Awards were presented at a ceremony at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York on June 1, 2009. Fernandes was unable to attend the event. Instead, Aris Golemi, President of Xcel Talent Agency accepted the Award on his client's behalf, and thanked everyone who has supported Mr. Fernandes and his work. "Longinus is the most talented, balanced, joyful and rewarding person I have ever worked with, and I am honored to represent him for dance and choreography," said Golemi during his acceptance speech.

Considered one of the most prestigious honors in the dance industry, the Astaire Awards were established in 1983 in honor of the contributions Fred and his sister Adele Astaire made to the dance industry. The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in dance choreography and performance for both Broadway and film. Past winners for the best choreography category have included ballet great George Balanchine, Bob Fosse, and, most recently, Tommy Tune. Fernandes knows that it is a tremendous honor to be considered among some of the most influential choreographers of all time.

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Press Release Contact Information:

Kasey Davage
Xcel Talent Agency
Xcel Talent
P.O. Box 191731
Atlanta, GA
USA 31119
Voice: 404-808-6546