Not every successful gay movie receives Oscar wins or Oscar nominations, but you can judge how well it was received by the LGBT community by the number of accolades they award it themselves. 2007's 'Shelter' won 'Outstanding Limited Release Film' at 2009's GLAAD Media Awards, along with 'Favorite Narrative Feature' and 'Best New Director' at Seattle's Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. On top of that, it was the people's choice winner for 'Best Feature' at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival. The gay community really loves this movie.
The movie is a complicated tale, tackling the complexities of coming out inside a family that's been wracked by tragedy, and in which the custody of a small child is at question. Powerful and dramatic, the plot twists, turns and pulls on the heartstrings. Viewers find themselves desperately hoping for a happy ending but can't be sure they're going to get it until the final moments.