Movie Written By Central Square Grad Wins Awards

CENTRAL SQUARE, N.Y. – An independent film that premiered at the Palace Theatre, in Eastwood last November has recently received multiple awards in Los Angeles and New York.

Booze, Broads and Blackjack is a mob movie written by Brewerton native and Central Square Grad Carl Nicita.

The narrative feature, follows the exploits of a Syracuse radio deejay named Jack King from fictional Syracuse station WCUS (called the Cuse.) When King (Played by Joe Raffa) goes to a Vegas celebrity Blackjack Tournament, his mob boss Uncle (Vincent Pastore – Big Pussy of The Sopranos) demands his nephew conduct some wise guy business while there.

A serious dilemma with no shortage of lighthearted moments soon unfolds. Many twists and turns await in this brisk adventure, winding through the streets of Las Vegas to an unexpected ending.

On the weekend of May 2 the film was nominated for Best Picture and won Best Crime film in the Los Angeles Film Awards. On May 9, actor Vincent Pastore was nominated for Best in the ‘Fest and won Best Actor in a crime film, while co-star Sarah French, who played Alicia in the movie was named Best Actress in a crime film in the Actors Awards Los Angeles. The following day, Booze, Broads and Blackjack was nominated for Best Picture and racked up a statuette for Best Crime Film in the New York Film Awards.

The movie is based on a novel by the same name, written by Nicita, who graduated from Central Square High School in 1973. He initiated a pursuit of broadcasting at Central Square High School radio station WCSQ.  He then entered professional radio and following a successful radio career in Syracuse, he moved to California working in radio and TV news.

Booze, Broads and Blackjack held its world premiere on November 16 at the Palace Theatre. It was then scheduled for a special West Coast premiere on April 10, 2020, which had to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the setback, the producers are hopeful the movie will be available through wide distribution, in the near future.

Booze Broads and Blackjack Trailer Link: Vimeo – Trailer

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