The award prospects of two upcoming films are brightening so much that studio chiefs have moved them closer to the next derby starting gate.

The New York Post's Page Six reports that Harvey Weinstein is moving "The Nanny Diaries," starring Scarlett Johansson and Laura Linney, from next month to September, "hoping to hoping to win a Golden Globe for Best Comedy after premiering the picture at a prestigious film festival. Our sources are betting it bows at the Venice fest at the end of August."

"Kaching!" cries Edward Douglas of Comingsoon.net to Gold Derby, noting his response to hearing the news that "Atonement" is exiting September for a new launch on December 7. "Out of the 'Constant Gardener' positioning and into the 'Brokeback Mountain' positioning!" "Atonement" features "Last King of Scotland" star James McAvoy as a man wrongly accused of a crime by his lover's (Keira Knightley) young sister. Directed by Joe Wright ("Pride & Prejudice").

Photo: Keira Knightley in "Atonement." (Focus Features)