'Dream come true' for North West film ace after Oscar nomination
A film industry set designer who hails from the North West is celebrating after he received an Oscar nomination.
Lee Sandales, from Liverpool, found out he was shortlisted for an Academy Award last week. The 53-year-old is being recognised in the production design category for his work on the blockbuster musical Wicked.
Proud mum and dad Audrey and Charlie Sandales were watching from their home in Gateacre as the Oscar nominations were announced at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills. When they heard Lee's name read out by the event's hosts, Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang, Audrey burst into tears.
READ MORE: Winter Fuel Payment cuts force desperate pensioners to skip meals and showers
READ MORE: Primark's 'fab' £16 jumper in 'lovely colour' looks like it 'could be from Zara'
The 73-year-old told the ECHO she was emotional as the nomination is deserved recognition for all her son's hard work.
She said: "I can't put into words how proud of him we are. It's easy to take credit for him, but we just gave him the guidance that he needed and encouraged him as a young boy for him to do what he wanted to do.
"The fact is, it's him. It's how hard he's worked to make that dream come true as young a boy in the theatre, who said this is what I want to do. He worked hard, studied hard and gave up a lot to be where he is now."
Lee's parents took him as a seven-year-old boy to watch Star Wars at the Odeon on Liverpool's London Road, sparking his love for film. Dad Charlie, 73, said his son's talent and dedication was obvious from a young age and meant he was destined for great things.
Charlie, 73, told the ECHO: "He was always in his room drawing and designing. Lee's a perfectionist. He'd get up at 2/3am if he got something in his head and start working."
Lee has enjoyed an impressive career in film and television, having twice previously received Oscar nominations for his work on War Horse and 1917. However, he is hoping it is third time lucky and this time he will land one of the prestigious statues.
He has his mum and dad's unwavering support as Audrey added: "We will be hoping and praying. We really are. I have looked at the other categories against him and, I'm not being biased as his mother, but I think if he doesn't [win], it'd be shocking because of the work that him and his team have put into it."
It bodes well for Lee as he has already been recognised for his work on Wicked from various critics' choice awards, which is usually an indication of where the Oscar will go. Audrey added: "It's like a stepping stone, with each award building to where he wants to be. [The Oscar] is what he has been aiming for all along. The [nomination] was just outstanding."
The Academy Awards will take place on March 3 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Coverage will start at midnight UK time and Audrey and Charlie are determined to stay up so they can tune in to see if Lee wins.
However, they joked they may be recruited to travel down to Lee's home in London for dog-sitting duties while he jets off across the Atlantic for the ceremony with his partner, Mark. Audrey said: "We normally stay awake but we're wondering if we're going to go to London to mind Lee's miniature Schnauzer. If we're not going to go around and look after him, one of his friends will for the weekend."
Lee has lived in London since he studied craftsmanship at the University of Roehampton, but he still regularly visits Merseyside. He was instrumental in bringing the 2017 production of The Batman to Liverpool.
"I thought it was lovely when he posted a BAFTA on his Instagram, a student made a comment to say, 'you're inspiring me'", Audrey said. "She was a young girl from a similar background to Lee and that really touched home with him."