The runways are now crossing over to the silver screen and the glittery stage of award-giving bodies as well. Matt Tyrnauer’s Valentino: The Last Emperor, a documentary celebrating the career of Italian designer Valentino Garavani, is now one of the entries shortlisted for next year’s Academy Award’s best documentary category.

The film was first shown at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival, and subsequently debuted in over 200 cinemas in the US on March 18.  Tyrnauer, a fashion expert working for Vanity Fair, was tasked to direct the documentary that recounts 45 years of  the legendary couturier’s career. The filmmakers followed the designer’s activities for two years, beginning in July 2005 and until his momentous retirement celebration in July 2007.

When the designer learned of his biopic’s nomination in the Oscars, he commented, “What can I say? An Oscar would be an incredible crowning for an emperor.”

Asked whether he would make another fashion-themed picture, Tyrnauer replied: “I’m retiring from fashion, unless Dolce & Gabbana call me in the morning.”

Fashion-centered pictures have become a major category in Hollywood during the past couple of years. Aside from Valentino, there’s also The September Issue, which focuses on the life of Vogue editor-in-chief Anne Wintour, and Coco Avant Chanel, which depicts the bittersweet story of the founder of the French couture line. Next year, production for a biopic on Italy’s Gucci family will also be set.

Winning the Oscar’s best documentary category is very unpredictable, although many successful past entries have shown a focus on crucial social issues. The question is, can a film as light, bright, and colorful as Valentino Garavani’s life compete with other entries? If you ask the Emperor, he’s confident he can claim another crown.  (Jezriel M)

Sources: Huffington, WWD, Wiki