OSCAR WINNER:Best Visual EffectsBased on author Philip Pullman's bestselling and award-winning novel, The Golden Compass is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people's souls manifest themselves as animals, and witches rule the skies and armoured bears are the bravest warriors. At the center of the story is Lyra (played by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who's been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers -- and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. The Golden Compass features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane.