Every year the Oscars are announced, a wave of “Why didn’t they get nominated?!” or “Why was this film snubbed?!” finds itself seeping into all corners of media. In response, I am posting my list of the top 6 Oscar snubs of all time. Just my opinion, in no particular order.
My Top 6 Oscar Snubs
John Cusack (Love and Mercy, 2014) – His portrayal as the “older” version of Brian Wilson is one of the best performances he has ever given. Think about all the great films he’s been in and that is a bold statement. Cusack looks nothing like Brian Wilson, but it takes all of thirty seconds to forget that you are watching John Cusack. His transformation grabbed me for the whole film and I was still thinking about it weeks later. If you haven’t seen the movie, clear out two hours and watch it. It’s brilliant!
Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy, 1986) – Oldman’s turn as doomed Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious was frighteningly real and raw. His transformation was awe inspiring. He acted, sounded and from the looks of it, smelled like Vicious. He immersed himself 100% into the character and it pays off in a big way onscreen. I’m assuming, in 1986, it was a little too real for the members of the academy.
Goodfellas (1990) – I’ve always said that this film, about the rise and fall of gangster Henry Hill, is perfect. Beginning to end it is a love letter/cautionary tale about the very genre that Martin Scorsese helped bring into the modern film era. It wasn’t just snubbed once, it was passed over three times. Not only did Scorsese lose for best director, it also lost the best film award and best adapted screenplay. A true travesty on EVERY level!
Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner, 1982) – Let us just put aside how great a movie Blade Runner is. Let’s also put aside the fact (Here is where I piss off all the Star Wars fans) that no American Sci-Fi film has influenced the genre OR technology more than this film… ever! Hauer’s performance as Roy Batty is mesmerizing. The leader of a group of renegade replicants who are looking for just a little more longevity. Passion and awe have never been quite so dangerous, never quite so beautiful, as Hauer portrays it in this film. His final monologue sums up the selfishness we humans are all guilty of. One of my favorite performances of all time.
Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men, 1993) – Now, this isn’t one of my favorite films, but it is a fantastically paced and directed film. Reiner is the real star of this movie. Adapting a very popular stage play can be quite a daunting feat, especially for a guy who was best known for comedies such as When Harry Met Sally and This is Spinal Tap. Keeping a tight rein on his star studded cast, especially the ever mugging/over acting Tom Cruise (You know I’m right… You all know I’m right!). The film adaptation is tight, deliberate and when he drops the pay off on you, damn near perfect.
L.A. Confidential (1997) – If you have never seen this film… shame, shame, shame on you! One of the best noir films to come out of Hollywood was given to us by the guy that eventually directed Eminem in 8 Mile. Curtis Hanson then had the foresight to cast two virtually unknown Australian actors as his leads. Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce both play tortured officers unraveling a mystery that goes far deeper than they could of ever imagined. Rounding out the cast is Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger and a great James Cromwell. An engrossing, taut thriller that gets better with each viewing. Unfortunately, that year belonged to a little film called Titanic.
Have I ever told you my feelings about Titanic? Do you know what the only difference between the movie Titanic and a piece of poop is? ... A piece of poop floats!