USA TODAY: Critics must be thrilled that the splashiest Oscar nominations Tuesday went to high-minded yet low-budget and mostly R-rated films.
But those who follow the money gave mixed reviews to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ best-picture finalists: Brokeback Mountain; Capote; Crash; Good Night, and Good Luck; and Munich.
The films, targeted to relatively narrow audiences, might not attract lots of fans to the March 5 Oscar show on ABC with first-time host Jon Stewart.
Some on Wall Street say that overlooking big films with big stars — such as Tom Cruise’s War of the Worlds, Johnny Depp’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith— also risks leaving audiences yawning at the awards. The broadcast could suffer if such celebrities merely walk the red carpet or don’t show up at all.
Yet, Coca-Cola, back on the Academy Awards after seven years’ hiatus, is unfazed. “We view the Oscars as destination programming and a great place to feature advertising for our brands,” says spokeswoman Susan McDermott.
Others say the famously box-office-minded Academy for once might be ahead of the curve by spotlighting films about complex issues and people.
“One of the biggest complaints about 2005 was that the movies weren’t that good,” says Exhibitor Relations President Paul Dergarabedian. “But these movies highlight the fact that Hollywood does have something to offer.”
Heaven forbid an industry not sell out. Cudos to the academy for honoring the best work of a very lean year at the box offic.
The shocking failure of the Academy to nominate “Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo” in any major categories only shows how morally, intellectually and creatively bankrupt the Oscars have become.
Any story about her is a good story. Angelina is stunning. A celebrity I both respect and fantasize about!. Look forward to seeing her next movie. The original painting I own of her is supercool and will be hung on my wall forever!