Just because Fox Searchlight is keeping a lid on it for now, don't make the mistake of dismissing the Oscar potential of the film version of "The History Boys," which still doesn't have a release date. For now the studio is keeping careful watch on how the drama fares at the Tony Awards once nominations are trumpeted May 16 and winners unveiled on June 11. Currently, it's the frontrunner to win best play, but is threatened by the sudden excitement and buzz building fast in recent days for "The Lieutenant of Inishmore" by Martin McDonagh, who's long overdue to nab the top Tony. (See article about "Lieutenant" below.) "History Boys" stage director Nicholas Hytner has some experience helming films. His "Madness of King George" reaped four Oscar bids in 1994, including noms for screenplay, lead actor Nigel Hawthorne and supporting star Helen Mirren. After his stage production of "History Boys" became a breakout hit in London, sweeping the Olivier Awards for best play, director and actor (Richard Griffiths), he shot a film adaptation using the theater cast last spring. Fox Searchlight plans a major Oscar push for the film's U.S. release, but hasn't set a firm release date yet, only conceding that it'll be after September 15. Execs may take it to the Toronto Film Festival, but they're still discussing the issue internally.

Photo: The cast of the original National Theatre production in Britain not only reprises their roles on Broadway right now, but they appear in the film version due out in late 2006.
(Fox Searchlight)