BERLIN, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Harvey Weinstein hinted to reporters at the Berlin International Film Festival a whispering campaign is being conducted against "Cold Mountain."
The Miramax Films co-chairman said he believes the low Oscar-nomination count for "Cold Mountain" may have been in response to stories in the U.S. press attacking the moviemakers' decision to shoot the U.S. Civil War drama in Romania to reduce costs.
"I'm proud of 'Cold Mountain' being a European film," said Weinstein, who flew in to support the Anthony Minghella-directed story, which launched the festival. "The movie has done $80 million at the U.S. box office so far and is on its way to $100 million. But I think it (being shot in Romania) did hurt us with the Academy (voters)."
While not calling it a boycott by voters, Weinstein said negative press may have resulted in "a move to deny the movie awards."
"Cold Mountain" received seven Oscar nominations.
