Producer Bill Pohlad and his unlikely best picture nominee

Producer Bill Pohlad and his wife, Michelle. Photo by Sara Glassman.

Minneapolis-based movie producer Bill Pohlad's film "Tree of Life," directed by Terrence Malick and starring Brad Pitt, played last year at Cannes Film Festival to some boos and walkouts. Pohlad was there for the opening, then returned to Minneapolis.

Soon after, he was back on a plane to France, after getting word that "Tree of Life" could win the festival's prestigious Palme D'Or. Indeed, the movie did take home the top prize. Pohlad talked with Colin Covert about the experience, and his faith in a movie that has divided both critics and moviegoers.

On Tuesday, "Tree of Life" was nominated for an Oscar in the categories of best picture, best cinematography and directing.

In his four-star review, Covert called "Tree of LIfe" a "flawed but impressive experiment."

More coverage of the Oscar nominations, including links to reviews, stories, videos and photos, here.

Brad Pitt and Laramie Eppler in "Tree of Life." Photo by Marie Wallace.