26 January 2000
The build-up to Oscar - THE COMMENTARY
By Joseph Planta
VANCOUVER - The Oscars are the highest award any person or film can receive in the profession of making motion pictures, probably in the world. The Oscars are handed out by the stately Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which at this very moment, its members are getting ready for the onslaught of campaigning for their vote.
The Academy Awards aren’t handed out till March 26, 2000, but the jockeying for nominations started a while ago. The deadline for film recognition was December 31, 1999. That’s why you’ll see romantic and hokey schlock released in the spring, the big blockbuster, shoot ‘em up pictures in the summer and the heavy drama and strong comedy in the winter or fall, so that they can get recognised for Oscars. Sadly, much like the rest of North America, the Academy has a very endowed sense of short-term memory. Which is why something like Three Kings, won’t get much of any sort of recognition.
But, then again films that are just released in the winter aren’t shoo-ins. Need I remind you of Oprah Winfrey and her epic Beloved? This year the studios are pushing for films to get attention. Press flacks and PR people are at full-tilt from now till nomination morning (February 20, 2000). The local Hollywood dailies, (Variety and the Hollywood Reporter) are clogged with ‘For Your Consideration’ ads. Looking through the latest issue of Variety, I see that Miramax is going all out, with a glossy ad that surrounds the entire issue. The film their hoping will get noticed is The Cider House Rules. There are ad’s inside, all over, from Meryl Streep’s turn in Music of The Heart, Kirk Douglas’ Diamonds, The Sixth Sense begging for a nod for Best Picture, as well as a full colour glossy from the South Park boys begging for a nomination in best screenplay for their Bigger, Longer and Uncut venture.
The ones that will probably get nominations are in there with ad’s too. The Talented Mr. Ripley is seeking a best actor nod for Matt Damon, a best supporting actress nod for both Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow and two for Anthony Minghella (The movie’s scribe and director.) There’s also a full two pager plugging Martin Scorsese’s Bringing Out The Dead. The excellent use of red and a sympathising shot of Nick Cage could woo voters. Then there are silly ad’s. Toy Story 2 for Best Picture? Robin Williams, Best Actor for Bicentennial Man? Jewel for Best Supporting Actress in Ride With The Devil? Come on.
Well, we’ll see if these ad’s win out and win the votes of the Academy members. Why is it so important to win an award? Simple, if a film wins an Oscar or even if its just nominated, it’ll bring more people to the local cineplex to go watch it. Simply said, the Oscars are all about money... and oh yeah, good movies.
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An archive of Joseph Planta's previous columns can be found by clicking HERE .