And the winner for the Best Movie Poster of 2008 goes to...

Posted Monday, April 21, 2008 at 11:48 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

On Jan. 5 of last year I went ahead and awarded the prize in this category to Black Snake Moan. I've decided to show some restraint this year by waiting until April to award my choice for the annual best.

So, envelope, please... In the category of Best Movie Poster of the Year, the trophy goes to -- The Spirit. I guess you could say I like posters with a grunge look -- or at least movies starring Samuel L. Jackson.

Just behold this one-sheet. It really gets you into the mood for this action-adventure from director Frank Miller. The teaser poster and the accompanying character shot of Sand Saref were revealed by Miller this weekend at the New York Comic Con.

The Spirit is based on the comic book series by the legendary Will Eisner. Expect a look and feel from Miller similar to Sin City and 300.

Gabriel Macht stars as The Spirit, a rookie cop who mysteriously returns from the dead to fight crime in his beloved Central City. Jackson is his nemesis The Octopus. Along for the ride are a bevy of beauties: Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, Jaime King, Paz Vega, and Stana Katic.

The Spirit comes to theaters on Jan. 16, 2009. So, in reality this award should be for the Best Movie Poster of 2009. Hey, I guess I'm ahead of schedule after all!