The Social Network, the Aaron Sorkin-penned, David Fincher-directed, black horse of 2010, has trod a long road to the Oscars. While it's now nominated for numerous awards -- including Best Film -- the movie was once a veritable joke.
We've been following the "Facebook Movie" for years now, all culminating in tonight's festivities. Which is why we're taking a look back now at its genesis. Check out our roundup below and let us know in the comments: Will the Academy "Like" the "Facebook Movie"?
When screenwriter Aaron Sorkin expressed his interest in making a movie about Facebook, our reaction was, shall we say, less than supportive?
After agreeing to write the screenplay, Sorkin said of the film, “it’s the fastest I’ve ever said yes to anything,” signing on after getting to page three of the 14-page book proposal from Ben Mezrich that producer Scott Rudin had optioned for the film even before The Accidental Billionaires was completely written.
Aaron Sorkin wrote the script, which was based on Ben Mezrich’s book, The Accidental Billionaires. David Fincher (Fight Club), came on as director.
Michael Cera and Shia LaBeouf? We think not.
Jesse Eisenberg was cast as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Justin Timberlake as Napster co-founder Sean Parker, and Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, the Facebook co-founder who had a falling out with Zuckerberg as the social site started to really take off.
The film was set for release on October 15, 2010. In reality, the movie came out on the third.
And Then Came the First Teaser
Columbia Pictures released the very first teaser trailer for the The Social Network. Like the poster, the teaser was sparse in its detail, but intriguing and provocative at the same time.
Trent Reznor Signs on to Score the Film
Reznor was initially going to take some time off after touring, but once director David Fincher started asking him about scoring the upcoming flick — and after the rocker had read the script — he changed his tune.
Facebook’s Founders Talk About the “Facebook Movie”
Facebook’s co-founders Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moscovitz both expressed some measure of disapproval where The Social Network was concerned.
It spawned a ton of catchphrases.
The Film Uses Twitter to Advertise
Sony Pictures became the latest big brand (as of that date) to buy a spot on Twitter’s trending topic list, using the microblogging site’s new ad platform to promote the trailer for The Social Network.
Mashable Talks With Trent Reznor
We decided to talk with Reznor about the experience of scoring a movie in its entirety, the state of the music industry, and, of course, social media on the whole.
Christina Warren dove into the most buzzed-about film of the year in an in-depth review.
A Cadre of Entrepreneurs Dissect the Film
David Karp (founder of Tumblr), Soraya Darabi (co-founder of Foodspotting) and Ben Fisher (co-founder of Lean Startup Machine and Adopt a Hacker) talk with Mashable about The Social Network following a screening in New York.
Mashable Founder Thinks Zuckerberg Should Like the Film
Mark Zuckerberg need not worry, according to Pete Cashmore. The Social Network ultimately paints Zuckerberg as a tireless visionary who stops at nothing to achieve his dream.
The Facebook Staff Goes to the Movies
The Facebook staff essentially rented out the Century Cinemas 16 in Mountain View, California, where upwards of 1,200 staffers saw the film.
The Social Network pulled in $23 million in its opening weekend. That’s not a soaring success (analysts expected it to do $25 million), but it was enough to top the national box office.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Take on The Social Network
Mashable's Ben Parr chatted with the Facebook founder about the controversial film, and while Zuckerberg skirted questions about his opinion of Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of his early years, the 26-year-old CEO did say he’s interested to see what effect The Social Network has on entrepreneurship.
The Social Network Racks Up Awards From the National Board of Review
Best Film
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Adapted Screenplay
And Then Hits The Golden Globes
Here is the rundown of nominations/wins that The Social Network received at the Golden Globes:
Best Supporting Actor: Andrew Garfield -- Lost (Christian Bale won for The Fighter)
Best Score: Trent Reznor -- Won
Best Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin -- Won
Best Actor, Drama: Jesse Eisenberg -- Lost (Colin Firth won for The King's Speech)
Best Director: David Fincher -- Won
Best Picture, Drama -- Won
Best Picture
Director (David Fincher)
Adapted Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
Original Score (Trent Reznor)
Actor in a Leading Role (Jesse Eisenberg)
Achievement in Cinematography
Achievement in Film Editing
Achievement in Sound Mixing
And The Oscar Goes To...
Stay tuned...