Natalie Portman in BLACKSWAN

Fox Searchlight’s most powerful movies of the year “127 Hours” and “Black Swan” recently topped the nomination picks for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. Lead stars of both movies James Franco and Natalie Portman tapped new heights in their respective roles as they inhabit their characters to the nerve to give the world this year’s most artistic breakthrough.

Natalie Portman’s cavernous portrayal in “Black Swan” sent everyone lining up for the cinema to see her push herself to the extreme as Nina Sayers, an obsessive compulsive ballerina about to torn herself apart for art’s sake. As the ultimate flawless dancer who lacks fire , Nina gets the plum role in their studio’s latest production ‘Swan Lake’ but the company’s artistic director Thomas (Vincent Cassell) want her to bring up her dark side as well to play both the white and black swan. Threatened that her understudy Lily (Mila Kunis) might end up with the lead role, Nina goes through grotesque psychological turmoil that finally brings up her dark side.

Directed by visionary Darren Aronofsky, the film’s strong unconventional theme and images are stunningly blended into a seamless narrative on screen. The film earned major nominations in the Golden Globes Awards including Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Director (Darren Aronofsky), Best Actress (Natalie Portman) and Best Supporting Actress (Mila Kunis).

“Black Swan” director Aronofsky acknowledges the recognition, “I am very thankful to the HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) for this honor. The prestige of the nominations draws attention independent films like Black Swan and I think helps get these small films made. I am also so thrilled for my actors Natalie and Mila who gave me their spirits to film and risked losing toe nails every day.”

Producer Scott Franklin likewise is honored by the nomination citing everyone had a hand in the film’s acclaim. “It is such an honor to be recognized and there are so many people that made it a unique and accomplished film. I am thankful to every one of them, from Darren and our talented cast and crew – our Cinematographer, Production Designer, Editor, Costume Designer, everyone down to the very last production assistant. It was the passion and dedication of those individuals that helped make this film special and I am honored to share this with all of them.”

“I’m very honored by the HFPA nomination, and to be included in this group of actresses I so admire. The experience of filming “Black Swan” with Darren Aronofsky and our incredible crew is already the most fulfilling experience of my career. The audience appreciation of the film is only furthering how grateful and proud I am to be part of the film,” Portman adds.

“127 Hours” sent audience grappling for air as James Franco delivered a gritting performance as real-life trekker Aron Ralston trapped in the rocky mountains of Utah. Directed by Danny Boyle who made the global phenomenon “Slumdog Millionaire,” “127 Hours” this time forges a groundbreaking first-person cinematic experience – to immerse the audience in every emotionally charged second – every fantasy, dream, memory, regret and inspiration of Ralston as he moved from despair to a powerfully moving re-commitment to life that led him to do what seemed impossible.

Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama, James Franco relishes the nomination – “I’m especially grateful to the HFPA for this honor and I’m excited to see 127 HOURS being recognized this awards season. I’m happy for Danny Boyle and his team and our DP’s Quique and Anthony who were there with me down in the canyon! I am so proud of the film and that Aron Ralston’s story has been well received!”

Also nominated for Best Screenplay, the movie is penned by Boyle and Simon Beaufoy. “127 Hours” according to Boyle is in the grand tradition of films depicting men pushed to their limits by nature. “We’re absolutely delighted to be included in the nominations for the Golden Globes especially as HFPA were so generous to us on Slumdog 2 years ago. I'm particularly pleased for James as it's such a brave and exhilarating performance, and for Aron Ralston who took such a leap of faith in letting us tell his story in such an uncompromising way,” says Boyle.

“127 Hours” producer Chris Colson is most thankful for the nominations of Boyle, Franco and including composer AR Rahman whose scoring also nabbed a Best Score nomination. “On behalf of everyone involved in making 127 HOURS, a huge thank you to HFPA and congratulations to all this year's nominees! We are thrilled by these nominations. I am particularly excited that James Franco’s extraordinary screen performance has been recognized alongside Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy and AR Rahman,” adds Colson.

“Black Swan” and “127 Hours” will simultaneously open in Phil. cinemas on February from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.